The Concept of Environmental Education in India

The concept of environmental education is not a new one as a major part of human knowledge is derived from nature. Environment pollution in different forms continues to trouble us but environmental education makes it possible for us to understand the clear outcome of human activity on the environment. Those who want to pursue environmental education seriously shall also study related disciplines that include physical science, biological science, social science and applied science. Environmental education courses can be pursued at Graduate and Post-graduate levels.

Environmental Education in India

The effective implementation of environmental education and conservation programs depend on the level of training expertise of the teachers. The government of India has launched several schemes and projects to spread awareness about environmental issues. The following are some government based projects, such as:

'Environmental Education, Awareness and Training' Scheme

The scheme intends to enhance our understanding about the interactions between human beings and environment. Also, it aims to facilitate the development of skills for environmental protection.

Formal Environmental Education Program

The program obliges the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the Ministry of Environment & Forests to ensure that environmental education is imparted adequately at the school levels. It mandates that environmental components are covered in the school curriculum.

Non-Formal Environment Education and Awareness Project

The project was launched to encourage and enhance public participation in activities that intended to conserve, protect, manage and sustain the environment. The government has undertaken various activities by using several medium of communication, to create awareness among the people, such as the National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), seminars, workshops, training programs, rallies, public meetings, camps, exhibitions, puppet shows and street theatre.

Further, the government has established nine Centers of Excellence, to promote awareness and strengthen research and training related to environmental issues, such as:

• CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC)
• Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
• Centre of Mining Environment (CME)
• Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES)
• Salim Ali Centre for Omithology and Natural History (SACON)
• Centre for Environment Management of Degraded Ecosystem (CEMDE)
• Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).
• Centre of Excellence in Environmental Economics at Madras School of Economics
• The Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI)