Global Citizens

Keoleadeo National Park, outside the town of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

The Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is a true gem of nature. Although only 30km² in size, this wetland area (artificially created by the Maharaja of Bharatpur 150 years ago as a duck hunting reserve) is today one of the most important wetland reserves in South Asia. As a UNESCO world heritage site, it contains a unusually high level of animal and plant species as well as an important Buddhist temple. However, the survival of this area is dependent on receiving sufficient water during the months of the monsoon. As a result of global climate change, the monsoon has become more unpredictable and the implementation of proper water management programs has become a very critical issue.