About

The Wetlands for LiFE Film Festival & Forum is a key part of the 'Wetlands for LiFE' initiative under the ‘Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection’ project by IKI-BMUV and MoEF&CC, implemented by GIZ in India. The festival was launched on World Wetlands Day in February 2024 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, followed by the second event in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from August 1-3, 2024. The next festival is set for August 30-31, 2024, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Wetlands are more than just swamps; they are vibrant ecosystems that support diverse life and livelihoods. This #WetlandsForLiFE festival will showcase remarkable films and discussions on Indian wetlands, highlighting their biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation efforts, and more. India is home to over 757,060 diverse wetlands, covering 15.3 million hectares, including lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, and reservoirs. These wetlands support a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna and provide critical services like water purification, groundwater recharge, and flood control. Iconic Indian wetlands such as Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, Loktak Lake, Sunderbans, and Sirpur Lake exemplify this richness. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities. To combat this, several wetlands have been designated as Ramsar sites, marking a crucial step toward their conservation and sustainable use. Learn more about India’s wetlands here: https://indianwetlands.in .

The festival in Shimla is open to all and will run for two days from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems through film screenings, painting competitions, engaging panel discussions, social impact filmmaking workshops, and on-the-spot Wetland Mitra enrollment. This event combines art, education, and community involvement to underscore the critical role of wetlands in our environment and encourage active participation in their preservation.