The CMS VATAVARAN International Film Festival and Forum on Environment and Wildlife is a pioneering platform aimed at promoting environmental awareness through films and meaningful dialogue. The 12th edition, themed "Wetlands for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)", took place from October 3-5, 2024, at the Ganga Auditorium, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, in Jor Bagh, New Delhi. This three-day event featured film screenings, engaging seminars, thought-provoking discussions, an exhibition of top artworks, and a prestigious award ceremony. Admission was by invitation only.

This year introduced an exciting new segment, the "Green Film Fete", which occurred from September 10-20, 2024, across eight schools and universities in New Delhi, aimed at inspiring youth through conservation-focused discussions. The fete included award-winning films, painting competitions, and debates on pressing environmental issues. With over 800 films from 68 countries, the festival highlighted the urgency of global ecological challenges while promoting sustainable practices for biodiversity and wetland conservation.

The theme, "Wetlands for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)," encouraged individuals, communities, and organizations to adopt eco-conscious lifestyles that contribute to wetland conservation. As part of the Indo-German Technical Cooperation project, "Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection," initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, and GIZ, the "Wetlands for LiFE" project played a central role in this edition of CMS VATAVARAN.

The "Wetlands for LiFE" festivals began with an inaugural event in Indore on World Wetlands Day 2024, graced by Her Excellency Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, alongside other dignitaries. Following successful regional events in Lucknow and Shimla, the festival culminated with the national film festival in New Delhi.