The German Delegates’ visit the International Climate Initiative (IKI)-Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP) at Deepor Beel, Assam

As a part of their trip from 27th April 2024 to 4th May 2024 to visit the various #InternationalClimateInitiative (IKI) projects being implemented in North East India, a distinguished team of five German delegates – Taina Dyckhoff, Head of Division for Climate and Environment, German Embassy, New Delhi; Teresa (Lissa) Reubel, Policy Officer for BMUV, #GIZ; Gulbahar Abdurasulova, Policy Officer for #BMUV, ZUG; Barvara Voss, German Consul General, Kolkata and Isha Dubey, Economic and Public Relation Advisor, the German Consulate, Kolkata, visited The IKI-#LivingLakesBiodiversityandClimateProject (LLBCP) implemented by Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) at #DeeporBeel, Assam.

On the 27th April 2024, a formal meeting was organized at Radisson Blu Hotel, Guwahati, wherein, representatives of various IKI projects in the North-East India showcased their activities. Ms. Ajanta Dey, Project Director of the IKI-LLBCP, presented the project activities to the delegates, explaining the scope and challenges of the project. The key project achievements with respect to qualitative and quantitative milestones were also shared with the team. Dr. Mayur Bawri, Project Manager of the IKI-LLBCP, was also present in the meeting.

On 28th April, the delegation team along with GIZ and #UNDP members visited the IKI-LLBCP field – Deepor Beel, #PamohiRiver Bio-remediation site, and Community Centre at Mikirpara – Chakardo. The program started early morning in Deepor Beel with a birding event. The delegates went on country boats for the birding with local bird guides. During this one and a half hour birding event, a total of 24 bird species were sighted. The team was accompanied by Monica Kishore, Divisional Forest Officer, Guwahati, Wildlife Division, Assam; Anwaruddin Choudhury, Ph.D, (Retd. from Indian Administrative Services), Ornithologist and renowned Wildlife Expert; Dr Satyendra Singh- Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, #departmentofenvironmentandforestassam and the Director, State Wetlands Authority. At Pamohi riverside, the entire #bioremediation process was demonstrated by Prof. Punyasloke Bhadury, #IISER, Kolkata and the Trainee Young Lake Managers (LLBCP). The Delegates were warmly received by the community women groups at the Community Centre, Chakardo. The community from the four villages around Deepor Beel actively participated in the interaction, sharing their concerns and experiences about Deepor Beel. The delegates witnessed the photo stories to know more about the various activities of the project which were exhibited around the Community Centre. Products made by the women groups under livelihood activities like pickles and handloom products were displayed for sale. Sample testing of pickle was provided, before the delegates could buy the products.