IUCN CEM Ecosystem Services Thematic Group
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IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN CEM Ecosystem Services Thematic Group

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Overview and description

Description:
The overall objective of this Thematic Group is to improve the knowledge base on ecosystem services and their values, and stimulate the integration of this knowledge in planning and decision making ...

The overall objective of this Thematic Group is to improve the knowledge base on ecosystem services and their values, and stimulate the integration of this knowledge in planning and decision making for sustainable ecosystem management. To achieve these objectives, the CEM Ecosystem Service Thematic Group aims to create a global network of knowledge bases and case studies in order to develop best practice guidelines for the sustainable management of ecosystems, with the further aim of demonstrating real life applications of the ‘ecosystem services concept’ and that investing in nature conservation and restoration ‘pays’!

Group leadership

Dr Simone Marie MAYNARD
Lead
Dr Ruchi BADOLA
Co-Lead
I am currently working as Scientist G / Senior Professor and heading the Department of Eco-Development Planning and participatory management at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. I am looking after Training and Academics at WII as Nodal Officer. She has been conducted applied research on various aspects of wildlife management such as eco-development planning, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, valuation of ecosystem services, livelihood development, covering almost all States in the country. I have developed Management Plans for seven wetlands of conservation importance in the states of Manipur, Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. She is coordinating the Ganga Biodiversity conservation initiative under the Namami Gange flagship programme of GoI. This project aims to develop a science based species recovery program for the restoration of Ganga river and its major tributaries, with the participation of key stakeholders. Under this project, we have mobilized a cadre of trained volunteers known as Ganga Praharis, who are assisting the Government of India in restoring aquatic biodiversity of Ganga River basin. The Ganga Prahari cadre is an innovative example of leadership at the grassroots levels that is endeavoring to bring about a social, economic and ecological transformation. This project has brought been able to lay the foundations for advanced studies on Biodiversity conservation for river restoration, and developed models that link river conservation with conservation oriented livelihood models. I am also the principal investigator of the project on “Assessment of ecological status of select Indian rivers for conservation planning” funded by the NRCD, and the CAMPA funded project on “Conservation of the Sangai Deer in the Keibul Lamjao National Park”. I have developed and implemented pioneer training programmes in human dimension of wildlife conservation. I have published over 100 peer reviewed articles in journals of international repute, books and book chapters. I have institutionalized mechanisms to involve communities and ecodevelopment planning for Protected Areas, and has been at the forefront for developing mechanisms for institution building in wildlife conservation.
I am currently working as Scientist G / Senior Professor and heading the Department of Eco-Development Planning and participatory management at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. I am looking ...