The Climate Thinker

04/04/2026

The Climate Thinker with Adamas University successfully organized Biomeet–2026: Voices for Wetlands at the APJ Abdul Kalam Convention Centre, Kolkata, with support from Asar Social Impact Advisors. The conference brought together academicians, policymakers, researchers, grassroots organizations, and over 300 students, reflecting a strong and growing engagement in wetland conservation and sustainability.

The programme featured a keynote session by Prof. Punarbasu Chaudhuri, Professor & Head, Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta. A panel discussion titled “Policy Starts with You: Youth Roles in Wetland Advocacy, Research & Decision-Making” was moderated by Dr. Arindam Roy, The Climate Thinker, Sri Samanjit Sengupta (WBCS Executive), Senior Personnel Manager, West Bengal Pollution Control Board; Ms. Dhruba Das Gupta, Project Director, Society for Creative Opportunities and Participatory Ecosystems (SCOPE); Dr. Chandrima Sinha, Programme Manager, Nature Environment and Wildlife Society; Dr. Pritha Bhattacharjee, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta; Dr. Tuhin Bhadra, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Adamas University; and Dr. Sugato Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, School of Law and Justice, Adamas University.

The conference also recognized organizations such as Howrah Jila Joutha Paribesh Mancha and Kasthashali Banabithi for their contributions to community-led wetland conservation. The event concluded with student poster presentations on wetland biodiversity, pollution management, climate change, and community governance, showcasing innovative perspectives from emerging scholars. Biomeet–2026 successfully provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the critical role of youth and communities in advancing sustainable wetland conservation in West Bengal.

03/04/2026

28/03/2026

On World Water Day, we launched a citizen-driven campaign under our Voices of Wetlands Initiative, inviting people across West Bengal to document the wetlands around them. What followed was truly encouraging.
with over 100 participants contributing more than 117 wetland observations from 12 districts. From North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, and Nadia to districts like Purulia, Hooghly, and Howrah, voices emerged from both urban and rural landscapes, capturing the diversity and importance of wetlands across the state.

But this campaign was more than just numbers. Wetlands are not just water bodies. They support livelihoods, sustain fisheries and agriculture, nurture biodiversity, and act as natural buffers against floods and climate change. And most importantly, it highlighted the power of citizen science. When people start observing their surroundings, they build a connection. And that connection is the first step toward conservation.

Voices of Wetlands is not just a campaign, it is a growing movement where every citizen becomes a guardian of our ecosystems. A small step, but a meaningful one, towards protecting the wetlands that protect us.

26/03/2026

As part of our Voices for Wetlands webinar series, we had the privilege of hosting Biswajit Mukherjee, President of Paribesh Academy, Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar awardee, and former Chief Law Officer at the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal — for a session on Legal Rights & Environmental Action.

He opened the session by unpacking how environmental laws in India are not just policy frameworks, but practical tools that citizens can actively use. From understanding key legislations to navigating complaint mechanisms and institutional pathways, his insights grounded legal concepts in real-world application.

What followed was a very engaging and productive exchange, where participants brought in their concerns, questions, and on-ground experiences, leading to a meaningful discussion with Biswajit Mukherjee.

Thank you to everyone who made this session insightful and interactive

24/03/2026

World Water Day 2026 | Community Action from Rural Bengal

On the eve of World Water Day (22nd March), The Climate Thinker was proud to participate in and partially support a meaningful grassroots initiative the “জলাভূমি বাঁচাও, বন্যপ্রাণ বাঁচাও” rally jointly organised by Khoriyop Islamic Sangha and DOT Foundation, Amta, Howrah.

Nearly 80 enthusiastic children from the Khariyop Panchayat came together to lead this awareness rally, marching through village roads for almost two hours, spreading a powerful message on the importance of conserving wetlands and protecting biodiversity.

The rally was followed by an engaging awareness session, where discussions focused on:
🔹 The critical role of wetlands in sustaining rural livelihoods, groundwater recharge, and climate resilience
🔹 The ecological importance of wetland flora and fauna, including aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles that collectively maintain ecosystem balance
🔹 The urgent need to protect these often-overlooked ecosystems from degradation and unplanned development

The event witnessed active participation and curiosity from local villagers, many of whom engaged in discussions and expressed their concerns and commitments toward conservation.

Initiatives like these remind us that real change begins at the grassroots, with communities leading the way toward a sustainable future

21/03/2026

Upcoming Webinar | Voices for Wetlands Series
We are pleased to announce our Voices for Wetlands webinar series:

Legal Rights & Environmental Action: Understanding Your Legal Rights for Environmental Justice

🗓 26 March 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (IST)
🎙 Speaker: Mr. Biswajit Mukherjee

President, Paribesh Academy
Indira Ghandi Paryavaran Puraskar Awardee
(Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India)
Former Chief Law Officer
Dept, of Environment, Govt of West Bengal & West Bengal Pollution Control Board

This session will explore how individuals and communities can take legal action against environmental violations. From understanding key environmental laws to learning how to file complaints and approach institutions like the NGT, the discussion aims to make environmental justice more accessible and actionable.

Organised by: The Climate Thinker
Supported by: Asar Social Impact Advisors

We look forward to your participation in this timely discussion on advancing climate finance through wetland conservation.

Registration Link
https://forms.gle/mQ7wRZSbKn5Mw2QT7

To know more about our Voices of Wetlands initiative please visit wetlandsofbengal.in .

20/03/2026

On the occasion of World Water Day (22 March 2026), we are launching a citizen-led initiative to document, understand, and protect our local wetlands.
Wetlands are vital ecosystems — they support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and sustain livelihoods. Yet, many remain undocumented and are increasingly under threat.

Through this initiative, our aim is simple: to encourage people to start talking about the wetlands around them. When communities observe, share, and discuss these ecosystems, it helps build awareness and deepen understanding among everyday citizens.

Because conservation begins with awareness — and awareness begins with conversation.

16/03/2026

North Bengal Regional Seminar on the Voices of Wetlands project.

On 13th March, something meaningful unfolded at Darjeeling Government College during the North Bengal Regional Seminar on the Voices of Wetlands project.

The day began with a simple but powerful idea — wetlands are not just landscapes of water and reeds; they are living systems that support biodiversity, livelihoods, and community knowledge.

During the session, we presented a demo of the Voices of Wetlands platform, showing how local voices, field experiences, and community observations can contribute to a deeper understanding of wetlands. The discussion quickly moved beyond theory and into real-life connections — how wetland conservation can go hand in hand with sustaining livelihoods.

From fisheries to agriculture and local resource use, wetlands quietly support countless communities. Protecting them therefore means protecting both nature and the people who depend on it. Another key conversation centered on why wetlands are crucial habitats for endangered species. These ecosystems often remain overlooked, yet they play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

The second half of the seminar was led by students, who presented posters on wetland conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable management ideas. It was inspiring to see the creativity, curiosity, and innovative perspectives young minds brought to the discussion.

The seminar was not just about sharing information — it was about starting conversations, exchanging ideas, and listening to the many voices that wetlands represent. And sometimes, the most powerful insights come from young minds who are just beginning their journey in environmental stewardship.

13/02/2026

Upcoming Webinar | Voices for Wetlands Series
We are pleased to announce our Voices for Wetlands webinar series:
Carbon Finance and Wetlands: Strategic Opportunities for West Bengal

🗓 20 February 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (IST)
🎙 Speaker: Mr. Sayanta Ghosh
Area Convenor, Centre for Geospatial Technology Application
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Organised by: The Climate Thinker
Supported by: Asar Social Impact Advisors

We look forward to your participation in this timely discussion on advancing climate finance through wetland conservation.

Registration Link
https://lnkd.in/gBvYir7J

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04/02/2026

'Celebrating World Wetlands Day with Action and Collaboration '

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day (2 February), we at 'The Climate Thinker' are proud to launch “Voices for Wetlands” a dynamic knowledge and collaborative community platform designed to amplify the voices, knowledge and experiences of those who live and work around wetlands across West Bengal.
Wetlands are far more than dots on a map they are living landscapes that sustain food, water, culture, livelihoods, and local economies. Yet pressures from urbanisation, pollution and climate change threaten these vital ecosystems. Recognising this, our year-long initiative “Jolar Kotha” begins with a commitment to strengthen public engagement and collective action for wetland conservation.

Voices for Wetlands is envisioned as an open, evolving knowledge commons a space where community stories, traditional wisdom of fishers and farmers, research, maps, photographs and field insights come together to inform conservation, policy dialogues and local action. In collaboration with Asar Social Impact Advisors, this initiative places people at the centre of conservation conversations alongside experts, institutions and policymakers helping bridge the gap between grassroots realities and effective planning. Together, let’s ensure that wetlands continue to flourish for future generations.

19/01/2026

We are pleased to invite the public to the formal launch of “Voice of Wetlands”, a Digital Wetland Knowledge and Community Platform initiated by The Climate Thinker. The platform aims to document, share, and promote collective knowledge on wetlands through citizen participation, scientific insights, and community engagement. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about wetland conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Join us on 2 February 2026 to be part of this meaningful step toward protecting our wetlands and amplifying community voices for a sustainable future. Your participation matters.

Venue: Nehru Children's Museum
Address: 94/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Time: 10AM -1 PM
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScpQG503ZFJrG.../viewform

15/01/2026

We are pleased to invite the public to the formal launch of “Voice of Wetlands”, a Digital Wetland Knowledge and Community Platform initiated by The Climate Thinker. The platform aims to document, share, and promote collective knowledge on wetlands through citizen participation, scientific insights, and community engagement. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about wetland conservation, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Join us on 2 February 2026 to be part of this meaningful step toward protecting our wetlands and amplifying community voices for a sustainable future. Your participation matters.

Venue: Nehru Children's Museum
Address: 94/1, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Time: 10AM -1 PM

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpQG503ZFJrGgdHyURXpqomv0jHwBx4Z7NF8oqWrgu5gNDmg/viewform