Sukhna Wetland Development: A Report on Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

1.0 Executive Summary

The Chandigarh administration has initiated a comprehensive strategy to develop the Sukhna Wetlands into a premier eco-tourism destination. This initiative is guided by the recently approved Integrated Sukhna Wetland Management Plan, which aims to unlock the untapped tourism potential of the area while ensuring its conservation. The project places significant emphasis on aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning environmental protection, sustainable economic growth, and community well-being.

2.0 Integrated Management Plan and Strategic Partnerships

A five-year Integrated Management Plan has been formally approved by the Wetland Authority to guide the conservation and development of the Sukhna Wetland. This plan represents a multi-stakeholder collaboration, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as it was prepared by the forest department in consultation with the WWF and other relevant administrative departments.

• Budget Allocation: The plan has a total budget of Rs 22.5 crore over a five-year period.
• Core Objectives: The primary goals are the protection, conservation, and scientific management of the wetland ecosystem.

Furthermore, the administration is actively pursuing a “Ramsar site” designation for the wetland. Achieving this status would provide international recognition and elevate its global profile, requiring collaboration between the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ramsar Secretariat, further reinforcing the commitment to SDG 17.

3.0 Eco-Tourism Initiatives and Sustainable Economic Growth

Eco-tourism is a central component of the management plan, designed to create a sustainable model for tourism that supports both the environment and the local economy. These efforts directly contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. Infrastructure Development: Nature-sensitive infrastructure will be created, including new boardwalks and interpretation centres to enhance the visitor experience without disturbing the natural habitat.
2. Human Resource Development: The plan includes provisions for the recruitment, training, and professional development of local nature guides for activities such as birding and boat tours. This creates sustainable employment opportunities and fosters local economic growth, a key target of SDG 8.
3. Visitor Engagement Activities: A variety of events will be organized to engage visitors and the local community.
   • Bird festivals and nature fairs
   • Guided forest trips and trekking
   • Yoga camps and other wellness activities

4.0 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Communities

The project is fundamentally aimed at the conservation of the wetland’s rich biodiversity, which is critical for achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By protecting this natural heritage within an urban landscape, the initiative also supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• Ecological Significance: The wetland and adjacent Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary are home to over 150 varieties of birds, including migratory species like Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes, as well as various mammals.
• Educational and Recreational Value: The plan aims to showcase this biodiversity, transforming recreational visits into learning experiences. Nature trails will offer insights into flora, fauna, soil conservation efforts, and wildlife habitat management.
• Community Well-being: Protecting and enhancing this green space contributes to the quality of life for residents, making the city more sustainable and resilient, in line with the objectives of SDG 11.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article focuses on the “protection, conservation, and scientific management of Sukhna Wetland.” As wetlands are critical water-related ecosystems, efforts to manage and protect them directly contribute to this goal.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The plan to develop eco-tourism aims to create economic opportunities. The article specifically mentions the “recruitment, training, and exposure visits of local nature guides,” which promotes job creation and sustainable economic growth through tourism.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The development of “eco-tourism” and a “nature-sensitive infrastructure” promotes sustainable tourism, which is a key aspect of sustainable consumption and production patterns. The “Integrated Sukhna Wetland Management Plan” itself is a tool for ensuring that tourism development is managed responsibly.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire initiative is centered on the “protection, conservation, and scientific management of Sukhna Wetland.” It aims to protect rich biodiversity, including “150 varieties of birds” and mammals, manage wildlife habitats, and pursue a “Ramsar site” designation to ensure the long-term conservation of this terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystem.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights collaboration, stating that the management plan was “prepared by the forest department in consultation with WWF and the departments concerned in Chandigarh Administration.” This multi-stakeholder partnership is crucial for achieving sustainable development objectives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

   The article’s central theme is the implementation of a “five-year Integrated Management Plan for Sukhna Wetland,” which is a direct action to protect and manage a vital water-related ecosystem.

2. Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism

   The plan to put “Sukhna Wetlands on the country’s eco-tourism map” by creating nature trails, bird festivals, and training local guides is a clear effort to devise and implement policies for sustainable tourism that creates local jobs.

3. Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable tourism impacts

   The “Integrated Sukhna Wetland Management Plan” serves as a comprehensive tool to guide and monitor the development of eco-tourism, ensuring it is sustainable and beneficial for both the environment and the local community.

4. Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems

   The article explicitly states that the Rs 22.5 crore plan involves “various works and activities to be carried out for the protection, conservation, and scientific management of Sukhna Wetland,” directly aligning with this target.

5. Target 15.5: Halt biodiversity loss

   The plan aims to showcase and protect the wetland’s “rich biodiversity,” which is home to “150 varieties of birds, including many exotic migratory species such as Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes.” This focus on protecting species and their habitats contributes directly to halting biodiversity loss.

6. Target 17.17: Encourage effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

   The development of the management plan through a collaboration between the “forest department in consultation with WWF and the departments concerned in Chandigarh Administration” exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnership model this target promotes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 6.6 & 15.1:

  The primary indicator is the successful implementation of the “five-year Integrated Management Plan for Sukhna Wetland.” A further, significant indicator would be the official designation of Sukhna Wetland as a “Ramsar site,” which provides international recognition of its importance and management.

• Indicator for Target 8.9:

  A direct indicator mentioned in the article is the “recruitment, training, and exposure visits of local nature guides.” The number of guides trained and employed would be a clear measure of progress in job creation through sustainable tourism.

• Indicator for Target 12.b:

  The existence and execution of the “Integrated Sukhna Wetland Management Plan” is the indicator. The creation of “nature-sensitive infrastructure,” “boardwalks,” and “interpretation centres” as outlined in the plan are measurable outputs.

• Indicator for Target 15.5:

  While not explicitly stated as a metric, the article’s reference to “150 varieties of birds” implies that monitoring the populations and diversity of these species, including migratory birds, would serve as an indicator to measure the success of conservation efforts and the health of the ecosystem.

• Indicator for Target 17.17:

  The established partnership itself, involving the Chandigarh administration, the forest department, and a civil society organization (WWF), serves as an indicator of a functioning multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com