
Mongabay series: Wetland Champions
Among all the ecosystems in a biologically and ecologically diverse country such as India, the wetlands are the least reported in the media space, and in turn get less discussed in the public and the policy space. Amidst this rather bleak story for wetlands, there are individuals and communities that have understood the ecological significance and the importance of the ecosystem services that wetlands provide, and have been working to conserve them. We feature these individuals and communities in our Wetland Champions series. For many thousands across the country, a wetland is more than a pretty picture. It is intrinsically linked to their very survival – it is a source of water for drinking and domestic use, for fishing and for agriculture. In many other places, this water body is where migratory birds and other wildlife thrive. And for some, it is part of a region’s environmental heritage. Through 25 features, our series goes around the country, from the coast to the mountains, from big rivers to small streams and from individual heroes to active communities.


[Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots

The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects

Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter

Managing waste to save the wetlands of Himachal Pradesh

The monks who protect the Bhagajang wetland

A community-created mangrove forest protects a village from eroding away

When an army of women came together to revive a river

Septuagenarian ensures Kole’s wetland status remains intact through farming

Meet the man conserving otters in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats

As threats increase, community’s effort to save Pulicat lake continues

Chowkidar turns conservationist for winged friends in Chambal

World Wetlands Day: Celebrating the champions who protect our wetlands

[Explainer] What are wetlands and why do we need to protect them?

Women revive ponds for water security in Bundelkhand

A community movement saves a Goan heritage lake and brings hope

A birder involves community and authorities to protect Haiderpur wetland

Returning to traditional practices to save Vidarbha’s ‘Lake District’

Story of a river bed, a geological marvel and community pride

People power to clean up Pune river, bit by bit
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter

Environment And Health
- [Commentary] As India faces an egg shortage, can insects be a potential solution for protein and nutrition?
- Brahmapuram fumes over waste
- Transgender activists highlight the impacts of climate change and environmental issues on the community
- Stubble burning is back, smothering north India with concerns for the upcoming winter

Almost Famous Species
- Ibisbill, the poorly understood Himalayan waterbird faces threats, finds study
- India garners international support to save two endangered freshwater turtles
- What protecting the slender loris could mean for forest communities in Tamil Nadu
- [Video] Hangul, the shy Kashmiri deer, is facing the threat of extinction as its habitat shrinks

India's Iconic Landscapes
- Ain’t no mountain high enough: alien invasive plants increasing in higher elevations
- Unplanned, faulty buildings tremble under weather events in the fragile Himalayan regions
- Nourishing soils of Kashmir’s karewas crumble under infrastructure
- Shielding hijol, a floodplain tree, from climate impacts

Beyond Protected Areas
- [Interview] Conservationist MK Ranjitsinh Jhala on the need for a grassland policy in India
- Women take the wheel for safer tourism in Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Habitat preservation in the Western Ghats can help enhance biodiversity in the hotspot
- Climate change and catfight in the Himalayas: tigers, leopards venture into snow leopard land

Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Thirunelly’s seed festival celebrates traditional climate-resilient seeds and farm produce
- [Explainer] Why is 2023 the International Year of Millets? What do we achieve by celebrating such years?
- Nations adopt Global Biodiversity Framework amid concerns over watered-down targets
- [Commentary] A renewed CGIAR can better support South Asia to determine its food future

Just Transitions
- Incentives to boost demand, increase in e-buses in Tamil Nadu’s latest EV policy
- Electricity transition in India’s renewable-rich states needs to accelerate, says study
- [Interview] Ajay Kumar Rastogi on leading India’s first just transition task force
- Helping wildlife navigate road and railway infrastructure
