The first annual meeting of the State Nodal Agencies steering the National Green Corps Ecoclub program was recently orchestrated by the Environment Ministry’s Education Division in alliance with the GEER Foundation (Gujarat). This notable event took place from 20th-21st December 2019 in Kevadia, Gujarat. The occasion also saw the presentation of the Best Ecoclub Award at the national level to students from Ecoclubs in Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Telangana, who clinched the First, Second, and Third position respectively.
Environment Education Awareness and Training: A Glimpse
The Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT) came into effect in the financial year 1983-84, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This central sector scheme is designed to foster environmental awareness among all cross-sections of society and stimulate public participation for conservation purposes. The mission of EEAT is accomplished through four significant programs: National Green Corps (NGC), National Environment Awareness Campaign, Seminars/Workshops, and National Nature Camping Programme. These initiatives act as catalysts in promoting active involvement of various organisations towards activities and awareness campaigns that focus on environment protection within the country.
Delving Deeper into the National Green Corps Ecoclub Programme
Launched under the umbrella of National Green Corps (NGC), the Ecoclub Program took its first step in 2001-2002. The program primarily focuses on exposing school children to their immediate environment and its interdependencies through hands-on experiences. Furthermore, the program also intends to foster empathy in individuals towards the environment and create awareness regarding environmental and developmental issues. One of its pivotal objectives involves creating a young cadre of environmentally-conscious students and igniting their sensitivity towards environmental protection and conservation.
Table of Facts and Figures
| Programme | Year Launched | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Education Awareness and Training | 1983-84 | Promote environmental awareness and public involvement in conservation |
| National Green Corps Ecoclub Programme | 2001-02 | Expose children to environmental interactions and inculcate compassion towards the environment |
Plans for Expansion of Ecoclubs
Despite achieving considerable success, plans are underway to expand the current strength of Ecoclubs from about 1.5 lakh to an increased target of 2 lakh in the forthcoming year of 2020-21, thereby giving a greater number of students the opportunity to participate in these beneficial programs.