Ecosystem Based Adaptation: Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Watershed Development

The project “Promotion of Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-arid and Rainfed Regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana” was implemented with the support of the SDC and NABARD from 2009 to 2015. WOTR integrated biodiversity concerns into project implementation in 33 villages of 2 states. The People’s Biodiversity Register was implemented in 33 villages, the Biodiversity Management Committee has been established in 25 villages and 5 biodiversity festivals were held. Lessons for this policy brief are drawn from the experiences in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.