The Energy and Resources Institute held the third Environment Educators' Conference in the Capital earlier this month. Titled “Participatory approach towards environment education: Stakeholder's perception and roles”, the conference was organised to discuss the need for a participatory approach of stakeholders towards environment education.
The three-day conference was attended by experts, corporate groups, policy-makers and curriculum developers from all over India who interacted with over 300 teachers and students. The dangers of climate change were highlighted and solutions proposed.
It was emphasised that climate change is a symptom of the much larger problem of lack of sustainability and the worst impact of climate change is on the poor. Speakers pointed out that the country needs fast growth but not at the expense of environment and ecology.
The main objectives of the conference were to provide an interactive platform to stakeholders in education, to discuss ways of making educational institutions green, to seek participation of members of the government, academia and policy-makers, to present replicable case studies and to find a comprehensive solution to counter the adverse impact of unsustainable lifestyle choices on the environment, with appropriate use of available resources and technology.
A newsletter of TERI's Environment Education and Youth Services division was released at the conference. The aim of the newsletter is to instil among students a sense of responsibility towards environment, ecology protection and encourage them to create innovative solutions for environmental problems.
The Australia-based La Trobe University is offering a distinctive photography programme titled “Edge of the Outback” wherein students can learn about photography and achieve academic credits. The programme, which is also targeted at Indian students, takes place every year for three weeks in June and July. Thus Indian students can utilise their summer break to pick up photography skills.
Students will explore along with a camera the regional Australian outback landscape. Through the La Trobe programme, Indian students will get an opportunity to showcase their portfolios in regional art galleries of Australia. More information can had at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/mildura/events/short- courses/outback
The IILM Undergraduate Business School held its 12 {+t} {+h} Convocation earlier this week at which 126 students received degrees. The motto of the institute is to provide creative teaching, equip students with industry-specific skills and encourage research practices.
Rohtak-based Maharshi Dayanand University is holding its 30 {+t} {+h} inter-zonal youth festival from November 11 to 13. Sixty-two colleges are expected to take part in this literary-cultural event.
