Kolkata dialogue flags policy and finance deficit in wetland sustainability

By A Representative 

Wetlands were the focus of India–Germany climate talks in Kolkata, where experts from government, business, and civil society stressed both their ecological importance and the urgent need for stronger conservation frameworks. 

Barbara Voss, Consul General of Germany in Kolkata, opened the session by stating, “Wetlands are not only rich in biodiversity but essential for climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Through the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, we are proud to work together with India in advancing collaborative, inclusive and nature-based approaches for climate action and biodiversity conservation.”

Panelists included Madhura Mitra of PwC, Debal Ray, Chairman of the West Bengal Public Service Commission and former Principal Secretary of the state’s Environment Department, and Nobina Gupta, founder of Disappearing Dialogues. Moderated by Shambhavi Krishna of GIZ India, the discussion highlighted wetlands as “hidden infrastructure” underpinning water security, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction. 

The East Kolkata Wetlands were cited as a Ramsar site that functions as a natural sewage treatment system while sustaining fisheries and agriculture, while the Sundarbans were noted for their role as ecological buffers and livelihood providers.

Critical gaps were identified in mobilising finance at scale. Panelists pointed to the global requirement of USD 2–4 trillion annually for climate resilience in developing countries, contrasting it with the limited private sector investment despite managing USD 210 trillion in assets worldwide. 

Innovative instruments such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and water bonds were proposed to bridge this divide. The absence of robust mechanisms to integrate wetlands into economic planning and risk management was also underscored, with calls for stronger public–private partnerships and community-led conservation.

Acknowledging India’s initiatives such as Mission Sahbhagita, Mission LiFE, and the Amrit Dharohar programme, participants noted progress but stressed that financing and policy gaps remain pressing. 

Closing the session, Taina Dyckhoff, Counsellor for Climate and Environment at the German Embassy in New Delhi, remarked, “The conversation today reaffirms the role of partnerships in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges. Through instruments such as the International Climate Initiative, Germany remains committed to partnering with India to promote sustainable and climate-resilient development.” 

The meeting concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration across government, private sector, and communities to secure the long-term sustainability of wetlands.