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Commencing on World Wetlands Day in February 2024, CMS VATAVARAN is set to curate an extensive series of Wetlands for LiFE film festivals and forums across India with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Wetlands are more than just swamps! They are thriving ecosystems that support life and livelihoods. This #WetlandsForLiFE festival will showcase amazing films and discussions on Indian wetlands - their biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation efforts, and more. Learn more about the wetlands of India here:  https://indianwetlands.in .

India is gifted with over 757,060 diverse wetlands that include lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, reservoirs, and more. Spread over 15.3 million hectares, these wetlands support aquatic flora and fauna while providing services like water purification, groundwater recharge, and flood control. Indian wetlands like Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, Loktak Lake, Sunderbans, and Sirpur Lake showcase this richness. However, wetlands face threats from human activities. In response, several wetlands across the country have been designated as Ramsar sites, a crucial step toward their conservation and sustainable use.

While significant strides have been made, there is an urgent need for greater awareness regarding wetland ecosystems and the invaluable services they provide. Join us February 3-5, 2024 (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in the Rajendra Mathur Sabhagriha, Indore Press Club, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Indore. As we celebrate the rich diversity of India's wetlands through films, discussions, and workshops. Let's spread awareness about conserving these vital ecosystems that support rich biodiversity and provide numerous benefits.