The Asia’s Linear Infrastructure safeGuarding Nature (ALIGN) project is being implemented by WWF in partnership with the Centre for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), and supported by USAID.
The project management is based out of the WWF-Nepal office with three focal country programs led by WWF-India, WWF-Mongolia, and WWF-Nepal. The project includes consultations with planning institutes, financial institutes, government agencies, and experts from scientific communities to identify areas of strengthening the implementation of safeguards and building the capacity of stakeholders.
In India, the project aims at working with the Government of India and state governments in the Terai and Assam to strengthen the in-country ability to implement wildlife-friendly, ecologically sensitive, climate-resilient, and, overall, environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects through capacity building, and government policy support. Central pillars on which ALIGN India is focused are engagement with the Government of India (Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways) and Non-government organizations working on linear infrastructure, engagement with Planners and engineers including curriculum development oriented to green infrastructure and engagement with financial institutes. The overarching aim is to build the capacity of institutions in these three aspects and bring cross-sectoral engagement via ALIGN.
WWF-India has supported in the development and implementation of Natural Resource safeguards in course curriculum – ‘Infrastructure Planning’ in Sushant University. The Department of Planning, Art and Resear (DoPAR) has introduced a course curriculum to streamline the impacts of infrastructure in Planning course. ‘Infrastructure Planning’ is taught for the third semester students of Master of Planning course. The course consists of studio and field-based exercises which gives an in-depth knowledge about planning for sustainable infrastructure development.
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This is the third of the webinar series organized jointly by WWF-India and CEAI under NAT-INFRA DIALOGUE series on 21st October, 2024. This webinar’s topic is Nature Positive Infrastructure Development and Role of Environment Assessments. Opening remarks has been given by Dr. Megan Parker – Conservation Progject Director, Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), Presentation by Dr. Asha Rajvanshi – Former Scientist G and Head of EIA cell, Wildlife Institute of India on Nature Inspired solutions for Infrastructure Development. Presentation by Dr. Arvinder S. Brara - Chairman and Managing Director, Mantec Consultants Pvt. Ltd. On Role of Environment Assessments to ensure Nature Positive Infrastructure development.
The speakers have delved upon how engineering sector can and should be inspired by nature, how engineering interventions coupled with the recommendations of environmental assessments and their recommendations could contribute towards creating a nature positive infrastructure development.
The policy brief on forest conservation jurisprudence in India provides explanatory details of definition of forests, puts a light on the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and its evolution through Van Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam to Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. The evolution of FCA involved notable contributions by the petition done by T.N. Godavarman whose definition along with the definition of forest under Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 has been discussed in the policy brief. The forest clearance process required for every developmental activities has been detailed out in the document. Notable judgements regarding forest clearances for Linear Infrastructure development have been discussed in the brief. Download the report here.
This is a six-part series of the collaboration between WWF-India and Global Tiger Forum - India which explores initiatives to protect nature while developing linear infrastructure in Tiger Range Countries. This third webinar features Tiger conservation priorities and strategy along with collaborative partnership across TRCs. Dr. Sejal Worah – Program Director at WWF-India gave the key note remarks in the webinar whereas, Mr. Phurba Lhendup – Coordinator for Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP) from IUCN presented on the collaborative approach for partnership and financing scenario in TRCs. Mr. Somphot Duangchantrasiri – Head of Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNPWPC) presented on the tiger conservation scenario in Thailand whereas, Mr. Somporn Pakpien – Head of Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Wildlife Research station, DNPWPC presented on the successful implementation of Wildlife overpasses in National highway 304. The webinar was highly informative and appreciated by the attendees.
This is a six-part series of the collaboration between WWF-India and Global Tiger Forum - India which explores initiatives to protect nature while developing linear infrastructure in Tiger Range Countries. This second webinar features priorities and strategy for tiger conservation in along with case study from field. The webinar will also explore the models for financing conservation in tiger habitat. Dr. Mary Melnyk – Environmental security and Resilience Division Chief, USAID Asia Bureau gave the key note speech in the webinar whereas, Dr. Pema Wangda – Executive Director, Bhutan for Life secretariat, Mr. Tashi Dhendup – Head, Bhutan Tiger Centre, Royal Government of Bhutan and Mr. Ugyen Tshering – Chief Forestry Officer, Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, Forests and Park Services presented on the webinar. The webinar was highly informative and appreciated by the attendees.
WWF-India has been engaged with the School of Arts and Architecture (SAA), Department of Planning and Development, and Sushant University (SU) for the second year in a row in rolling out the ‘Infrastructure Planning’ course. After successfully launching the course curriculum for third-semester students of the Master in Urban Planning course in 2023, the students pursuing the course explored Ramnagar. Ramnagar is a town and a municipal board in the Nainital district of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The exercise will involve preparing a Master plan inclusive of the development, infrastructure, and area appreciation plans. This year students explored the Ramnagar area from 1-7 September 2024. Read more...
This is the second of the webinar series organized jointly by WWF-India and CEAI under NAT-INFRA DIALOGUE series on 23rd August, 2024. This webinar focuses on Policy and Legal aspects of Linear Infrastructure development in India. This webinar has deep dived into issues, challenges and opportunities of statutory compliances of Environmental, Forest and Wildlife clearances required for Linear Infrastructure projects in India. MR. R.S. Sharma – President – CEAI, Dr. Biswajit Mukhopadhyay – Joint Advisor, NHAI and Ms. Moulika Arabhi – Advisor, Centre for Environmental Law presented their experiences on environment and wildlife friendly linear infrastructure development scenario in India.
WWF-India supported development and roll out of Infrastructure Planning course curriculum in the third semester of Master degree in Planning in Department of Planning and Development, School of Arts and Architecture in Sushant University. A first batch (2022-24) of 20 students took this course which was organized in a combined structure of studio and field research based exercises. This report is prepared and submitted to the university by this batch of students which is also a testament of academia-industry collaboration which promotes in opening avenues of research opportunities for Planning sector. Opportunity as this will not just encourage planning students to explore wings in planning in eco-sensitive zones, but will also build a pool of resourceful professionals in the field who could contribute into Natural Resources safeguards in Planning sector.
WWF-India collaborated with Global Tiger Forum (GTF) in bringing the Infrastructure issues, challenges and opportunities to safeguarding natural resources from Tiger Range Countries in a webinar series. This is a six-part series which explores initiatives to protect nature while developing linear infrastructure in Tiger Conservation Landscapes. Our first webinar features case studies from Malaysia and insights from World Bank India on green infrastructure opportunities in wildlife habitats.
We would like to thank Kate Newman – Vice Chairman, WWF US, Dr. Rajesh Gopal – Secretary General, GTF, Mr. Ravi Singh – SG & CEO, WWF-India for their remarks. Likewise, our special thanks to the speakers Mr. Salman Bin Saaban – Director of Protected Areas Division, Mr. Hazril Rafhan Bin Abdul Halim – Senior Assistant Director of Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Neha Vyas – Senior Environment Specialist and Environment Risk Management Coordinator, World Bank India office.
The series is part of WWF-India's Asia's Linear Infrastructure safeGuarding Nature (ALIGN) project which aims to implement effective infrastructure safeguards in Asia, focusing on India, Mongolia, and Nepal.
WWF-India in collaboration with Consulting Engineers’ Association of India (CEAI) organized first webinar on Strengthening Natural Resources Safeguards in Linear Infrastructure Development on 5th July 2024. USAID India’s Varghese Paul - Deputy Director, Environment and WASH gave the introductory remarks and explained about the history of USAID’s supports in multiple biodiversity conservation projects along with ALIGN project’s interventions in India. Mr. Sudhir Dhawan – Chairman for Asia Pacific for International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) followed with the introductory remarks and explained about the potentials of WWF-CEAI’s engagement and probable outcomes for India.
On 6th July WWF-India has signed an agreement with Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) for the promotion of Natural Resources safeguard practices for planning professionals. The signing program was held in the headquarter of ITPI in New Delhi. ITPI is the apex body of Town and Country planners, established in 1951 committed to promote planned, economic, scientific and artistic development of towns, cities and rural areas.
This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the concept of Natural resources safeguards embedded in rural, peri-urban, urban and country planning scenario which is much essential for promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods support while achieving sustainable planned development. This collaboration will focus on knowledge partnership, capacity building activities through workshops and seminars, and come up with joint publications on pertinent issues of nature prioritized planning approaches.
ITPI was represented by Chairman Shri N. K. Patel, Secretary General V. P. Kulshrestha, Past Secretary General Shri Pradeep Kapoor, Researchers Anchal Choudhary and Samir Talwar, whereas WWF-India was represented by Town Planner Shiv Marwaha, Lead-ALIGN project Er. Pramod Neupane, Coordinator- ALIGN project Dr. Ridhima Solanki and Communications Manager Somreet Bhattacharya.
The country teams from India, Nepal, Mongolia, regional team from US and Centre for Large Landscape Conservation met in Mongolia for the annual progress and planning meeting from 17-24 June 2024. WWF Mongolia hosted the annual meeting where the country teams along with the Project Management Team (PMT) for a week and discussed on the ongoing activities of ALIGN project in all three countries. Read more...
On 20th May, 2024 WWF-India signed an agreement with Consulting Engineers’ Association of India (CEAI). Realizing the need of collaboration in enhancing the cross learning opportunities between development and conservation sectors, the agreement aims to Raise awareness of the consultants involved in Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation of linear infrastructures, Provide policy examples to ensure proper natural resources safeguards are well put in place in the planning, development, implementation, operation and maintenance phases of infrastructure development, support in building technical capacity who are more aware in biodiversity conservation issues by creating a forum for cross learning opportunity and fostering relationship by joint publications, collaboration and representation in national and global events. Dr. Dipankar Ghose, Senior Director – Biodiversity Conservation signed on behalf of WWF-India and Mr. Sudhir Dhawan, past president of CEAI and Asia chapter chief of Federation of International Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) signed the agreement on behalf of CEAI.
On 15th April 2024, WWF-India participated on a One-day workshop on A One-day workshop on preparation of Forest Clearance (FC), Environment Clearance (EC) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Environmental Management Plan (EMP) proposals including Eco-friendly Mitigation Measures and Challenges with respect to Statutory Clearances was organized by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Please find the details of the workshop here.
On 13th April, 2024 WWF-India met Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) and discussed on the need of a collaboration to capacitate planners (professional practitioners and aspiring students) on various aspects of Conservation including integrated planning approach to ensure sustainability, climate resilience, promote biodiversity conservation, promotion of ecosystem services among others. This will be expedited through a partnership agreement where professionals meet regularly to discuss on sustainable approaches through Workshops, Seminars, Webinars and Training programs.
WWF-India organized a Workshop with Planning students on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as a Planning tool: Prospects and Potential on 4th April 2024 at the WWF Auditorium. A total of 54 participants attended the workshop which delivered information about the need of strategic approach of dealing with the Environmental concerns in Infrastructure planning. Dr. Sejal Worah and Dr. Dipankar Ghose addressed the workshop and highlighted on the need of collaboration with Universities to ensure new generation of Planning, Engineering and Architecture field would equip themselves with the Natural Resources Safeguards concerns in Project Planning and implementation phases. Dr. V.B. Mathur, Dr. Asha Rajvanshi and Ar. Shiv Marwaha facilitated the workshop whereas esteemed professors and students from SPA Delhi and Sushant University attended the workshop. For more details, please find attached proceeding document here.
Meeting with Consulting Engineers’ Association of India (CEAI)
On 27th March 2024, ALIGN team met CEAI and discussed on regular engagements through collaborative efforts in incorporating Natural Resources safeguards through various short term courses through lecture series, physical workshop, seminar, and Webinar formats as appropriate. For this, a MoU will be signed between WWF and CEAI to expedite opportunities of engaging with the Engineering fraternity which works on multiple scales of Infrastructure planning, development, execution, monitoring, and operation and maintenance.
In-house meeting with Experts for the preparation of a Practice guidance for Planners, Developers and Engineers
On 18th March 2024, ALIGN team sat together with the experts Dr. V.B. Mathur and Dr. Asha Rajvansi for the development of Practice guidance for Planners, Developers and Engineers for Natural Resources Safeguards in LI development.
Meeting With Graphic Era University (Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India (geu.ac.in))
On 14th March 2024, the ALIGN team met with GEU regarding the probable collaboration regarding the introduction of course on ‘Nature Engineering’ and its role in addressing the negative impacts of the Linear Infrastructure. This would be expedited through the engagement with elective courses through curriculum for students and also for the faculty through Faculty development program (FDP)
Why would a Ramsar site be chosen for understanding the importance of safeguarding nature in urban planning and linear infrastructure development? A wetland is often stationed at one site, and the animals visiting such a wetland are independent, often on terrestrial routes.
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A few large boulders seemed out of place near an underpass of NH 54E, a national highway that passes through the forested hills of Karbi Anglong District in Assam.
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Vulture conservation has been an integral part of wildlife conservation in India. Observing the decline in the vulture population (of which nine species have been reported in the wild of India), the country moved an IUCN motion in 2004 for vulture conservation.
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The forests of India are home to rich biodiversity. They also provide connectivity that helps the maintenance of healthy gene pools. The development of linear infrastructure often impedes this connectivity. Roads, railways, canals, and electric power lines are essential for developing human habitations but tend to crisscross landscapes that are otherwise safe havens for wildlife.
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