Jayshree Vencatesan: First Indian to Receive Ramsar Award for Wetland Wise Use

Jayshree Vencatesan, co-founder of Chennai-based Care Earth Trust, has become the first Indian to be honored with the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’, a globally recognized accolade celebrating contributions to the sustainable management of wetlands. The award was announced by the Ramsar Secretariat in Geneva on the eve of International Women’s Day 2024.

The Prestigious Ramsar Award

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for wetland conservation, recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for their contribution to wetland conservation through the Ramsar Awards. Jayshree Vencatesan was recognized under the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ category, making her the first Indian to receive this global honor.

She is one of the 12 women changemakers acknowledged for their pioneering work in wetland conservation. The announcement was made on March 8, 2024, marking a significant milestone in India’s commitment to wetland preservation.

Jayshree Vencatesan: A Champion for Wetland Conservation

Jayshree Vencatesan has dedicated decades of her life to the conservation of India’s wetlands, with a special focus on the Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai. Her journey in conservation began with a modest sum of $350, driven by an unyielding resolve to protect India’s wetland ecosystems, often dismissed as mere “wastelands.”

Her Contribution to Wetland Conservation

• Documenting Biodiversity: Her extensive research has shed light on the ecological significance of Pallikaranai Marsh, which is home to over 337 species of flora and fauna.
• Flood Mitigation Efforts: She has emphasized the role of wetlands in mitigating floods, helping policymakers recognize their importance in urban planning.
• Mentorship & Women Empowerment: As the leader of an all-women research team, she has mentored numerous female conservationists, promoting gender equity in environmental science.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation

Jayshree Vencatesan highlighted the complex challenges in conserving wetlands, stating that the biggest hurdles are often bureaucratic and systemic inefficiencies. She pointed out how historical land records, outdated user rights, and personal egos have impeded crucial restoration efforts.

Her Perspective on Challenges

• Land Ownership Issues: Some wetlands remain inaccessible due to land titles dating back centuries, which complicates restoration efforts.
• Bureaucratic Red Tape: Government protocols, legal disputes, and regulatory roadblocks hinder conservation projects.
• Lack of Awareness: Many decision-makers fail to recognize wetlands’ ecological value, treating them as potential development sites rather than critical ecosystems.

She emphasized that persistence over decades, rather than quick fixes, is key to long-term conservation success.

Dedication of the Award

Jayshree dedicated the award to her late father, Mayur Narasimhan, whose nature-loving philosophy deeply influenced her passion for environmental conservation.

Her Message for Future Conservationists

She called for greater investment in equipping women with technical skills and decision-making roles in wetland management. She believes that empowering women in environmental governance is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Tamil Nadu’s Rich Wetland Heritage

Tamil Nadu boasts 18 Ramsar sites, making it one of India’s most significant states for wetland biodiversity. Jayshree’s work stands as a beacon of hope, urging continued commitment to wetland conservation, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas like Chennai.

Other Women Changemakers Recognized

Alongside Jayshree, other notable women recognized in the Ramsar Award’s list include:

• Celeste Saulo – Secretary General of World Meteorological Organization.
• Jennifer George – CEO of East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership Secretariat.
• Tatiana Minayeva – Consultant of Care for Ecosystems.

Summary of the News