Wetland Conservation & Clean Up Drive
We dedicate our wetland project to Dr. Jane Goodall, honouring her lifelong commitment to conservation.
Environmental & Economic Importance of Wetlands:
Wetlands are important for biodiversity, climate mitigation and fresh water availability. Wetlands are “green goldmines” as they offer not only ecological benefits but also economic benefits.
They contribute to environmental health as they are the most productive ecosystems that nurtures biodiversity and maintains ecological balance, protects communities from extreme weather events. They act as natural filters in order to cleanse water, regulate floods, sequester carbon and are shoreline regulators.
Local communities depend immensely on wetlands for livelihood activities such as inundated farming, floodplain fishing, livestock grazing and for collection of flowers leaves & reeds.
The worsening situation
There is massive degradation of wetlands and it’s one of the most threatened natural ecosystems which is going towards extinction. Wetland cover is shrinking three times faster than forests Nearly 90 % of the world’s wetlands have already degraded. The alarming rate of wetland degradation will lead to unprecedented damage to the environment and local communities.
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Spenta Foundation – Protecting Wetlands in Gossaihat
As a part of it’s Habitat Enrichment Program on June 5th, 2025 World Environment Day Spenta Foundation undertook a massive clean up drive of Wetlands in Gossaihat Eco Park within the Moraghat Forest Range. The wetlands of Gossaihat harbours rich biodiversity & aquatic ecosystems.
The diligent local team of Spenta Foundation observed the rapidly increasing thick layer of water hyacinth & weeds which was chocking the aquatic ecosystem of the wetland of Gossaihat. One can imagine the suffocation and lack of oxygen which was slowly perishing the serene under water aquatic life.
In consultation with subject matter experts & consulting locals Spenta Foundation undertook the clean up drive before the situation worsened to reach a point of no return. The wetlands had to be saved before they became a historical site. The aim of the clean-up drive was to protect & restore these wetlands and give a new lease of life to the decaying aquatic ecosystems​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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​​​​​​​​​Wetland Before Cleaning
Spenta Foundation did the clean up drive using all non-polluting and natural traditional methods which have no adverse impact. We could achieve our goal by using mechanised techniques & chemicals which are cost effective, efficient and consume less resources. However we chose the difficult path of using only natural means which has zero negative implications. Chemicals and other techniques would be fatal and irreversible to the aquatic ecosystem.
Spenta Foundation – Community Engagement
The clean-up of a wetland using traditional methods and a local Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) represents a successful, community-based approach to conservation. This model harnesses local ecological knowledge and provides social and economic benefits to the community, while effectively restoring the wetland's natural functions.
​​​​​​​​​Wetland Being Cleaned employing local forest villagers using traditional techniques​​
Spenta Foundation adopted a practical approach by engaging locals to undertake the manual cleaning drive. A dual objective was achieved of not only saving the wetland but also providing employment & a source of income to the locals. With community participation awareness was spread on the benefits of wetlands and the importance to protect the same. Specific guidelines on protecting the wetland at a community level were shared. Community engagement has enabled a mindset change to value wetlands and motivated them to join our movement to protect wetlands from hereon.
Traditional wetland cleaning methods
Traditional ecological knowledge was used in wetland restoration and includes the following methods:
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Manual removal of weeds: Community members removed water hyacinth by hand, preventing them from overrunning the wetland and outcompeting native flora.
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Desiltation: The manual clearing of sediment and silt from the wetland bed helps restore its water-holding capacity. This process is labor-intensive but avoids the high cost and disruption of heavy machinery.
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Water channel maintenance: Local communities ensure water channels remain clear, which improves water circulation and prevents stagnation.
​Wetland Being Cleaned employing local forest villagers using traditional techniques
The pulled out algae/weed/hyacinth is nutritionally very rich & became fodder for livestock of the locals and also manure.
This was not only a wetland clean up drive it has created positive impact in several directions.
Creation of a circular Economy
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Locals got income -> Spent Income which created a small economical cycle. Also curtails forest felling etc thus saving forest.
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Wetlands Saved -> Creates a positive impact on Climate Change
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Collected Hyacinth -> Helped with fodder for livestock & manure. Thus saving money of the locals to procure the same.
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Manure used in forest nursery & for young saplings​