observe the lifecycle of a frog, making learning a fun-filled experience. These wetlands have also added aesthetic value to the schools. The above initiative of Tarn Taran, Kapurthala and Ropar schools has motivated the other Eco-Clubs of the state to take up similar activities. They have even gone a step farther by adopting village ponds and wetlands and taking steps to clean those water bodies. The schools have also planted samplings along the periphery of the adopted wetlands to prevent soil erosion and to improve their natural habitat. The partner agencies have also taken the initiative of establishing Wetland Education Centres in the schools near the three Ramsar sites and at the Nangal wetland. Forty Wetland Education Centres have been established and are actively working to raise awareness through capacity building programmes and wetland conservation. These action programmes have enhanced understanding among students and local residents about wetland ecosystems and wetlands as a fragile ecosystem of the state. The demonstration, sensitisation and capacity building activities for wetland resources and biodiversity conservation are initiatives to help transition to a more green and sustainable society. In India, traditionally, livelihoods have been dependent on natural resources, especially for people living in rural regions who were dependent on plants for basic life support. Such activities were less damaging to the environment. However, with the change in times, livelihood options also changed. Modernisation and the growing population are putting pressure on the environment; current lifestyles and activities, like mining, are much less environmental sustainable. This initiative encourages the promotion of sustainable livelihoods through a sustainable approach. To ensure such an approach, it is necessary to have simple, doable and practical options that meet both economic desires and a sustainability point of view. It is hoped that this initiative, along with networking, can help develop a recognition of the values and services delivered by wetlands and the same can be integrated into sustainable development. 76 In this regard, an effort has been made to utilise the biomass of water hyacinth for preparing handicraft items like bags, files, packaging boxes and baskets. This technique of making handicraft items has already been successfully established elsewhere, such as the KIDS Society, Kotapuram (Kerala, India), in Derabassi, District Mohali (Punjab, India), and replicated by partner agencies PSCST, Department of Forests and Wild Life Preservation, Punjab, and the NGO Sai Dharam Singh Grover Foundation based at Derabassi, Punjab. The selected artisans, field workers and officials of partner agencies were sent to KIDS Society, Kerala to get hands-on experience and learn the necessary skills. In addition, field trials and handson trainings have been undertaken to motivate local people in making the handicrafts. The results have been encouraging, with people responding favourably and taking a keen interest in the endeavour. After the training, locals were successful in making various handicrafts such as purses, bags, files, and boxes from water hyacinth; they have showcased those products at a variety of different forums. Efforts are now underway to create suitable marketing strategies to sell these products and to strengthen sustainable livelihood options from the wetlands. Monitori ng, docume ntation, pr otection, and edu cation Women making handicrafts from wetland weeds in Punjab, India 10
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
To see the actual publication please follow the link above