According to a report presented at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) this week, India's Ganges rejuvenation project is among the world's top 10 "ground-breaking" initiatives for its contribution to ecosystem restoration.

Under the auspices of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global initiative coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the Ganges Rejuvenation project was designated as a flagship World Restoration project and is still eligible to receive UN-backed promotion, advice, or funding (FAO).

Together, a total of ten flagships aim to restore more than 68 million hectares, an area bigger than Myanmar, France or Somalia, and create nearly 15 million jobs, the UN said.

According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, "Transforming our relationship with nature is the key to overcoming the triple planetary crises of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste."

With political will, research, and international cooperation, we can accomplish the objectives of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and create a more sustainable future for both the planet and those of us who call it home, according to Andersen.

What is Ganges river rejuvenation project all about?

One of NMCG's long-term goals for Ganga rejuvenation is to rebuild healthy populations of all the river's endemic and threatened species of wildlife so they can reclaim their historical habitats and play a vital part in preserving the ecosystems of the Ganga river.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi approved the flagship "Namami Gange" programme which integrates the efforts to clean and protect the Ganga River in a comprehensive manner.

Director General, Namami Gange, Shri G. Asok Kumar said “The recognition of Namami Gange as one of the top-10 ecosystem restoration initiatives in the world bears testimony to the concerted efforts being made by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of India for the restoration of the riverine ecosystem. I hope that our endeavours provide a roadmap for other similar interventions across the globe."

According to the DG, our senior political leaders are fully committed to the Namami Gange initiative, which is crucial for the success of such extensive environmental restoration programmes. The National Ganga Council, which is presided over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself, and frequently reviewed by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, demonstrates the unshakable dedication to the Namami Gange programme. He continued, "The presents given to the Honorable PM are annually placed upfor public auction, with all revenues going to the Clean Ganga Fund, which was created specifically to stimulate public participation in the government's effort to clean the Ganga.

"India is the youngest country with the largest youthful population, and we have to connect with the youth and women to ensure that the problem of poor water management is handled," he added while discussing the significance of engaging young people for the initiative. He continued by saying that women and young people in India today are educated to appreciate water and are aware of the problems with water security. "If we can teach young people to respect water, overuse and poor management of our water resources will end immediately." According to him, efforts are being made to promote water recycling as a component of the circular economy, and measures are being taken to safeguard spring sheds and preserve biodiversity. "Through trained volunteers, the youngsters participate in a variety of activities.

"The Namami Gange is an ambitious endeavour to restore the Ganga, a lifeline for millions of people in India," UNEP Executive Director Mr. Inger Andersen remarked. The benefits of this restoration cannot be understated at a time when it is crucial that we change our exploitative connection with nature.

The news was made while world leaders convened in Montreal, Canada for the UN Biodiversity Conference, where they decided on a new set of objectives for the environment for the following ten years. In the Global Water Awards, 2019 by Global Water Intelligence 3, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has previously won the category of "Public Water Agency of the Year." The Asian Academy Creative Awards, 2022 recognised the documentary "Ganga: River from the Skies," which was co-produced with National Geographic India, in three categories: best documentary, best current affairs, and best natural history or wildlife programme.