Project Team

Functional Description: In this repository, we provide: - Several pretrained t-ReX and t-ReX* models (proposed in Sariyildiz et

On the successful completion of the targets outlined in the 2023 Work Plan of the India Water Partnership and GWP-South Asia supported project titled 'Fostering Meaningful Youth Engagement for Wetlands Conservation and Management in the National Capital Territory of Delhi', we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to this achievement.
First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the entire team at the India Water Partnership and GWP-South Asia for their unwavering support throughout this journey.Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in helping us navigate through challenges and accomplish our objectives.
A special mention goes to Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary-cum-Country Coordinator, India Water Partnership for her continuous support and invaluable guidance.Dr. Veena's expertise and dedication have been indispensable in steering us towards success.We are immensely grateful for her mentorship and commitment to this project.We would also like to thank Mr. Mangla Rai and Mr. Neeraj for their continued support.
Furthermore, we would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands International South Asia for his invaluable guidance and support.We would like to extend our gratitude to our colleagues at Wetlands International South Asia for their tireless efforts and dedication towards meeting the deliverables.We would like to acknowledge Ms. Suchita Awasthi (National Project Coordinator-WISA), Mr. Saadan Hussain (Junior Technical Officer-Climate Change), Mr. Anil Fartiyal (Junior Technical officer -Biodiversity, WISA) and Nikita Mishra (Junior Technical officer -Knowledge Base Development, WISA) for their continued support throughout the project.
We also extend our appreciation to the teachers and staff of Delhi Public School, RK Puram, for their support and collaboration throughout this project.Their commitment to environmental education and their willingness to engage with our youth initiatives have been invaluable in fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change.
To all the individuals, organizations, and stakeholders who have contributed to this project, we offer our sincere thanks.Your collective efforts have not only helped us achieve our goals but have also strengthened our resolve to continue working towards a sustainable future for our wetlands and our communities.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to building upon the successes of this project and continuing our efforts to conserve and protect the wetlands of Delhi.Together, we can make a difference.

Executive Summary
Wetlands are critical ecosystems that contribute significantly to the liveability of cities, reduce flooding, regulate microclimate, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and offer habitat for urban biodiversity.However, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, known for its extensive network of wetlands, has been expanding its urban footprint, thereby threatening these vital ecosystems through encroachment and pollution.Several wetlands have dried up, and over 200 have been lost forever due to urbanization and industrialization.The youth will bear the brunt of wetland degradation and its impacts in the near future, making them key stakeholders in wetlands management and conservation.
This project aims to foster youth engagement for wetlands conservation and management in the National Capital Territory of Delhi by establishing a Wetland Learning Centre within a school in Delhi.The Centre will develop a knowledge base on wetlands and promote civic action.In 2023, the project achieved its targets, including selecting a school, preparing learning materials for students, conducting an introductory presentation session in Delhi Public School (DPS), R K Puram to raise awareness about wetlands, and organizing an exposure visit to the nearest wetland, Hauz Khas Lake in New Delhi to witness its rich biodiversity and services.

Mapping of schools and wetlands in NCT Delhi
The first step was to conduct a mapping exercise to identify potential schools that meet certain criteria.This could involve identifying schools located near wetlands, assessing their accessibility to the wetland, and evaluating their infrastructure and resources.
For this activity, mapping of schools and wetlands in the National Capital Territory of Delhi was conducted through spatial and secondary data.Schools were selected for implementing the project based on its suitability and willingness to open a Wetland Learning Center.Factors such as outdoor areas for learning, access to the wetland, and availability of infrastructural utilities, such as adequate space equipped with teaching aids for conducting workshops, seminars, and educational sessions, conference rooms, projectors, and screens, were considered during the selection process of school for establishing the Wetland Learning Centre.
Delhi had more than 3000 schools spreading across the NCT of Delhi.The number of schools falling under each district is depicted in Figure 1 below.
Figure 2 illustrates the mapped density of schools in proximity to the wetlands, with emphasis on highlighting the spatial distribution.The gradient shown in the map represents the density of schools in each district, along with the density of wetlands.Once the mapping was complete, the schools were shortlisted based on the SMART criteria.This means that the schools must have specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound characteristics that align with the project's goals.
Several criteria which include proximity to a wetland, accessibility to the wetland, availability of infrastructural utilities such as teaching aids, conference rooms, projectors, and screens, and the willingness to work collaboratively to foster youth participation towards wetlands conservation were taken into consideration for selecting the school.
A total of twelve schools were approached and informed of the objectives of the project.This step involved reaching out to the schools and presenting the project's goals and objectives to them.
A communication was sent to the shortlisted schools to implement the project initiative.This involved establishing a dialogue with the schools to discuss the project in more detail and to plan how it will be implemented.
Delhi Public School R K Puram, New Delhi was finally selected to implement the project.This decision was based on the school's alignment with the project's objectives, as well as their willingness and exceptional educational infrastructure.
Overall, the methodology involved a systematic approach to selecting a school for a project initiative, starting with mapping and shortlisting potential schools, and then evaluating them based on specific criteria before making a final selection.The presentation session successfully educated participants about the importance of wetlands, the threats they face, and the necessity for youth involvement in wetlands conservation.
Students and teachers actively participated in the session, showing enthusiasm and interest in the topic.The session began with students and teachers taking the wetland pledge, emphasizing their commitment to wetlands conservation.
The wetland pledge serves as a reminder of their responsibility towards protecting wetlands.This served as a call to action for participants to actively contribute to wetlands conservation.Overall, the session was successful in raising awareness, engaging participants, and emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in wetlands conservation.It provided valuable insights and motivated participants to take action towards protecting wetlands.The session was organised by Wetlands International South Asia and India Water Partnership.It aimed to deepen the students' understanding of wetland conservation and management, exploring their functions, benefits, and threats associated with an urban wetland.
A team from Wetlands International South Asia organised the open-sky session.The students were taken from the school to the Hauz Khas Lake and were divided into two groups, each group having experts to introduce the significance of Hauz Khas Lake, delving into its historical significance.The team guided students through the serene surroundings, offering insights into ecosystem services and wetland biodiversity, showcasing unique and different types of resident water birds like Spot Bill Ducks, Common Pochards and many more which were present at the time of exposure visit.They were also informed about the season in which the migratory water birds come to India flying from various regions of the World.The students were also educated about water birds how they are important to sustain the wetlands ecosystem, The students gained valuable insights about the wetland's history, its revival story, the hydrology of the wetland, and the diverse biodiversity it supports.The visit highlighted the crucial role of an urban wetland, such as accommodating treated sewage water and providing habitat for various species in South Delhi.
The students were highly interactive throughout the session, recalling the names of water birds observed around the lake and asking questions.
Following are some water birds shown to the students.

Outputs, Conclusions and Recommendations
The presentation and exposure visit to Hauz Khas Lake, New Delhi, an urban wetland, organized by Wetlands International South Asia and supported by India Water Partnership, aimed to deepen students' understanding of wetland preservation and management.The event provided a hands-on, immersive learning experience for students from classes VIII and X of DPS RK Puram.The presentation session laid the foundation for students by explaining what wetlands are, their significance, and how individual actions can contribute to their conservation.The exposure visit highlighted the wetland's historical significance, its restoration journey, its hydrology, and the diverse wildlife it supports.Students gained valuable insights into the vital role of urban wetlands, such as treating sewage water and providing habitats for various species in South Delhi.
The presentation session and exposure visit to Hauz Khas Lake significantly enhanced students' comprehension of wetland conservation and management.Through hands-on, immersive learning experiences, students gained valuable insights into the historical significance, hydrology, and biodiversity of the wetland.The session underscored the pivotal role of urban wetlands in South Delhi, serving as vital habitats for various species and accommodating treated sewage water.This comprehensive understanding of wetland ecosystems empowers students to actively engage in conservation efforts and advocate for the protection and preservation of these crucial environments.
To further enhance students' understanding of wetland conservation and management, it is recommended to organize interactive sessions for the students to understand the significance of wetlands.These experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities that deepen students' appreciation for the ecological significance of wetlands.Additionally, encouraging students to actively participate in conservation efforts through workshops, seminars, and field trips to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership towards preserving these vital ecosystems.Collaborating with schools, youth organizations, and local communities is essential for promoting regular wetland monitoring and conservation activities.Finally, advocating for the protection and conservation of urban wetlands through policy advocacy and community engagement initiatives is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these valuable habitats.
Achievements against targets (as per 2023 log frame) Targets set for 2023 (Please mention the targets -Outputs/ outcomes: what will be achieved & what will be the expected number of people to be impacted from this activity) Output 1: Flash cards on water birds of NCT of Delhi: Engaging and interactive flashcards on the water birds of NCT of Delhi will be developed, tailored to the age group (for students in the 6 th -8 th standard, and beyond 8 th standard) and learning objectives of the students.Expected number of students/ youth that will be impacted will be around ~200 individuals Explanation of the targets set for 2023 (Please give explanation of the targets -How & where the targets would be achieved? Output 1: Flashcards are a powerful educational tool for comprehending the essential biodiversity features of wetlands.They employ visual aids, concise information, and a chunked format to simplify complex concepts into manageable segments.By encouraging repetition and recall, they promote longterm retention and self-assessment, fostering active engagement.Their portability and accessibility enable flexible learning, whether solo or in group settings, and their customization allows tailoring to specific wetland biodiversity aspects.Overall, flashcards motivate learners and complement hands-on experiences, making them a valuable resource for deepening understanding of wetland biodiversity.Output 2: Presentation session: Delivering an introductory presentation on the significance of wetland to the age group (for students in the 6 th -8 th standard, and beyond 8 th standard) and learning objectives of the students.Expected number of students/ youth that will be impacted will be around ~200 individuals An introductory presentation on wetlands is instrumental in conveying their significance.It will offer context, highlight key points, and uses visuals to simplify complex concepts.By exploring ecosystem services, discussing challenges, and making it locally relevant, it helps the audience connect with the topic.It will help in fostering active participation and a commitment to wetland conservation.Additionally, the presentation provides resources for further learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of wetlands and motivating individuals to become proactive stewards of these vital ecosystems.Output 3: Exposure Visits: Ensuring field visits to the wetland and conducting activities to promote wetland positive behaviour for students.Expected number of students/ youth that will be impacted will be around ~200 individuals An exposure visit to a wetland offers a unique and immersive experience that deeply enhances understanding of its importance.Participants engage directly with the ecosystem, witnessing biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and potential threats firsthand.This hands-on approach fosters a sense of environmental stewardship and can inspire individuals to take action in support of wetland conservation.Local visits connect the significance of wetlands to participants' communities, making the importance of these ecosystem's tangible.The lasting impact of such visits can influence attitudes and behaviors, creating informed and proactive advocates for wetland preservation.

Figure 2 :
Figure 2: Density of School and Wetlands in National Capital Territory of Delhi

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Students taking wetland pledge; Students received learning materials on wetlands

Figure 2
Figure 2 Harsh Ganapathi introducing Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) and India Water Partnership (IWP)

Figure 4
Figure 4 Diana Datta presenting the concept of wetlands

Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8
Figure 5 Dr Veena Khanduri highlights the importance of the youth involvement

Figure 9
Figure9Witnessing the surrounding and biodiversity in and around Hauz Khas Lake

Figure 10
Figure 10 Interaction with the Delhi Public School RK Puram