Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS), under the IKI–Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP), organised a workshop on “Addressing SDG No. 5: Strengthening the Role of Women in Wetland Management” on 2 April 2026 at Azara, Guwahati, Assam. The workshop brought together 96 participants, including women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and communities around Deepor Beel, youth representatives, resource persons and NEWS team members.
The programme focused on strengthening women’s participation, leadership and capacity in wetland conservation and governance. Sessions covered during the workshop were women’s role in wetland conservation, livelihood opportunities through sustainable utilisation of wetland resources, the role of SHGs and government schemes, and women’s participation in community-based ecotourism.
Discussions highlighted opportunities such as value addition of water hyacinth and other wetland resources, makhana cultivation, SHG-based enterprises, sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism. The workshop also emphasised the importance of women’s leadership, capacity building, access to resources and meaningful participation in wetland governance.
The workshop concluded with recommendations to strengthen women-led initiatives, support SHG enterprises, promote sustainable resource utilisation and develop community-based ecotourism around Deepor Beel.