Harmony of Waters is the name of the Wetlands Conference organized by the Svarnim Puducherry, Sri Aurobindo Society on behalf of the All for Water for All and Alliance for Good Governance collectives, during WaterFest’25. This 3-day event was more than just a gathering of scientists and environmentalists, it was a vibrant confluence of ideas, action, and passion, all rooted in the shared goal of protecting India’s precious wetlands.
Held from February 13–15, 2025 at the serene Sharanam Convention Centre in Poothurai, this unique event brought together student researchers, expert ecologists, grassroots conservationists, and policymakers for three days of insightful discussions and hands-on experiences. This year, we had the privilege of co-organising the conference in partnership with MIT-WPU.
Now in its second year, this event has quickly established itself as the only conference in India solely dedicated to wetlands conservation. What sets it apart is not just its focused theme but also its retreat-style format, allowing participants to engage deeply with the subject in a peaceful, reflective environment surrounded by nature. This year’s event emphasized the urgent need to understand wetlands from a bioregional perspective, recognizing these ecosystems not as isolated pockets but as vital, interconnected elements of a larger ecological and cultural landscape.
Day 1: Exploring Bioregionalism and Ecosystem Connections
The conference opened with a warm welcome by Raghu and Joy from Svarnim Puducherry, followed by sessions that showcased fresh perspectives from student researchers, including innovative ideas like converting invasive aquatic weeds into sustainable biofuels. Workshops on CEPA (Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness) by Avinash Madhale of CEE and on Strategic Science Communication by Dr.Pankaj Koparde from MIT-WPU brought a practical focus, equipping attendees with strategies to involve communities in wetland conservation efforts.
Inspiring addresses were given by Lourdes and Azhagappan, junior colleagues of Joss Brooks of Pitchandikulam Forest, Auroville, and by Probir Banerjee of PondyCAN. Their decades of experience in restoring local ecosystems set the tone for the discussions ahead. Their reflections on bioregionalism in the making, the idea that conservation can and must be rooted in local ecological and cultural contexts, resonated strongly with participants.
Day 2: Freshwater Ecosystems in Focus
The second day shifted attention to freshwater ecosystems, beginning with immersive field trips to the Ousteri Wetlands Sanctuary and the Aurovanam Nature Education Centre. These excursions provided a firsthand experience of the delicate balance that sustains these habitats.
Notable speakers like Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore from SACON and Dr. Samuel Corgne from CNRS shed light on the global and local challenges facing freshwater ecosystems, from pollution to habitat loss. The workshops that followed encouraged participants to design community-based conservation strategies, blending scientific research with on-the-ground action.
Day 3: The Call of the Coast - Marine and Brackish Ecosystems
The final day highlighted marine and brackish water ecosystems, beginning with visits to the Thengaithittu Estuary. Participants engaged in meaningful activities like plastic cleanups and learned about the region’s efforts to restore damaged habitats.
Talks by experts such as Dr. Sivakumar Kuppuswamy of WII & Pondicherry University on marine megafauna conservation, discussions by the team from Kuddle Life Foundation on the role of artificial reefs, and by Pradip Patade from MIT-WPU on the perils faced by mangroves estuaries, offered fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities for coastal ecosystems. Workshops on this day focused on careers in wetland conservation and how to apply CEPA guidelines to marine RAMSAR sites effectively.
A Path Forward for India’s Wetlands
The conference concluded with a celebration of the best research presentations and a special recognition of grassroots efforts, including an award for Thiru Chandrasekhar from Bahour’s Bangaru Vaikal Association for his life-long dedication to local wetland restoration.
This conference which was conducted during our current edition of 7-week annual water festival, WaterFest’25, was not just a platform for sharing knowledge but also a call to action. It served as a reminder that conserving wetlands requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and communities. As India’s only conference of its kind, WaterFest continues to inspire a new generation of conservation leaders, determined to safeguard the country’s wetlands for future generations.
More information about the event is available at the conference website. For those interested in exploring the research presented, the conference proceedings will be published and uploaded to the site shortly. https://svarnim.aurosociety.org/waterfest25
