Mr.Gautam Sen, AGM of NABARD addressing local dwellers during
Wetlands festival held at East Kolkata Wetlands

In particular the awareness program stresses a greater understanding of the wetland and level of risks that we face with the loss of wetlands. Despite the community dependence on wetlands for livelihood, there seems to be lack of knowledge about its international recognition due to the ecological importance attached to it. The workshops, campaigns through local and folk mediums will contribute to a greater understanding of the wetlands and level of risks we face with the loss of wetlands.

Information’s are being fed into the community through existing channels such as the radio, bulletin boards at local co-operatives, in traditional media like kirtans, jatra pala etc. The wetland festival or ‘Jalabhumi Utsav’ organized by SAFE on March 12, 2007 proved to be a major breakthrough in triggering interest of the community towards maintaining the ecological health of wetlands. Audio-visual presentation at the festival served as a new and interesting communication tool for the community. SAFE has also taken up poster campaigns in local language to generate more concern of the locales leading to more participation in workshops, meetings organized by SAFE.