Keystone conducted a baseline survey of 38 hill wetlands. We have mapped, inventorised flora, fauna and people dependence on wetlands.
Wetlands have been classified in different categories as common property resources – in rural and urban areas and in private and protected areas. In each of these categories a threat assessment has been made and identified specific, local issues pertaining to the wetlands. Out of the 38 wetlands – 5 representative wetlands have been selected for a local management plan in consultation with stakeholders.
Postershave been prepared: Wetlands of Nilgiris & People, Wetland Birds, Wetlands Biodiversity and Nilgiris Wetlands Flora.
Implementation of a solid waste management project to install 9 toilets which did not exist for the families who polluted a wetland source with human wastes was completed.
A campaign to generate awareness of wetlands through a march, addressing stake holders on the values of wetlands and printing popular t-shirts with wetland themes.
Advocacy with the local government succeeded in giving us permission to rehabilitate and revive the Happy Valley wetland.
A nursery of 771 wetland plants has been raised and more than 50 wetland trees of different species have been planted.
A movie of 4 minutes with survey findings has been made.
A stake holder’s workshop was organized in Ooty bringing Government, NGOs, Indigenous People (Todas and Kotas) and Scientists from the National level to come out with a practical Nilgiris Wetland Recommendation
