APSCC and Pondicherry University unveiled the Green Protocol for Wetlands — a five-strategy roadmap for wetland conservation — with the support of the Forest Department and Agriculture Department of Puducherry.
Launched at Pondicherry University, the Green Protocol for Wetlands sets out a practical framework to protect, rehabilitate and sustainably manage wetland ecosystems. The initiative brought together academia, government departments and the wider community around a shared goal: safeguarding the water bodies that anchor biodiversity, climate resilience and human well-being.
The launch was led jointly by Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University; Dr. Golda Edwin, Executive Director of APSCC; and Smt. Vanjulavalli Sridhar IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Wildlife.
Five strategies for wetland conservation
The Green Protocol for Wetlands is built on five interlocking strategies that move from ecological restoration to long-term community stewardship:
Engaging communities and schools
Community engagement sits at the heart of the protocol. A drawing competition on the theme “Wetlands and Water” drew more than 4,500 participants from over 400 public schools, organised in collaboration with Thiru. Rudra Goud, Director, Department of School Education. The competition seeded a growing “Wetlands Mitras” network — engaging students and communities to protect wetlands and help mitigate climate change.
Leadership and participation
The launch brought together leaders from the university, the Forest Department and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, alongside senior faculty and administrators of Pondicherry University:
Also present were Dr. Ramakichenin Balagandhi (Director, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare), Prof. S. Balakrishnan (Director of Studies, PU), Dr. B. Chitra (Registrar, PU), Prof. K.V. Devi Prasad (Dean, School of Life Sciences), Prof. A. Shahin Sultana (Dean, Students Welfare), Prof. R. Nalini (HoD, Department of Social Work) and Er. N. Sankaramourthy (Executive Engineer).
Wetlands are lifelines — for biodiversity, for climate stability, and for human well-being. Protecting them is a shared responsibility that begins in our campuses and communities.
Aligned with the SDGs
The Green Protocol for Wetlands advances several Sustainable Development Goals — from clean water and climate action to protecting life below water, life on land, and the partnerships that make conservation possible:
Event: Launch of the Green Protocol for Wetlands, Pondicherry University · 2 November 2022. Supported by the Forest Department and Agriculture Department of Puducherry.