Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Das PK
Keywords : Environmental education; Technology integration; Educational technology; Government; Curriculum
Proclivity concerning global warming and environmental catastrophe across the world has become big fuss. Cultivating awareness about the sobriety of the stratum, ameliorating of ubiquitous ethos and grooming the posterity to discern for planet incite copious ecologists and green litterateurs who will dream the character of environmental education. Proper media-assisted civility and awareness campaigns about the importance of environmental health are vital to boost the protection and prudent utilization of natural resources, and to attain a sustainable future. While scientists and politicians are deciphering for environmental issues, educators are aware of that a sustainable future needs productive education for newborn novices. However, how these novices should be educated on environmental issues and what they should be cardinal in this technology age is still a question. In India, a blusterous climax erstwhile is the judgment of the Honourable Supreme Court in 2003 which models environmental education mandatory at all levels. Ensuingly, various educational bodies at the national and state levels have taken measures respecting upgrading curriculum, resource material, training or any other ventures in this direction. This contextual paper provides an intensive study on environmental education and how different learning approaches can be exploited essentially in educational programs in India. While the innate upsurage on geniality in the textbooks is necessary and inspiriting, a healthier interpolation of the burning impasse as to environmental crisis and how it could be mitigated is recommended. The result shows that decrepit idiosyncrasy of environmental education is basically responsible for its little importance and also recommends solid substrate from external agencies along with teachers training, etc.
Diversity
of India with over a billion people and as to culture and biological wealth is
colossal. Despite agile changing lifeboats, traditional culture honoring nature
and environmentally friendly practices embolden the lives of humanity. With a
big stumbling on education for sustainable development during the last few
decades, distinct policy briefs have illuminated the need to approach it
sporadically through education. Widespread cognizance about environmental
issues is luminous, but bare environmental knowledge rockets as a cramp
aspiringly towards achieving sustainable future for humanity. Concurrently, man
is fleecing nature apropos that nobody will avert from the harm springing from
coveting fossicking. Human demand is elephantine. It is against this backdrop that
the environmental education (or,EE) strategy of India has been sprung in India.
The Constitution of India explicitly makes environmental conservation a duty.
The Central Government and all states inside India inly a Department of
Environment which recognizes EE as essence of education.
EE
is strongly associated with man’s interface with his culture and bio-physical
environment. EE also entails practice in decision-making and self-formulation
of a code of behaviour about issues concerning environmental quality. Education
and public participation may change and improve environmental compatibility. EE
is an inveterate interdisciplinary field of study and helps perpetrate the
goals of environmental protection to improving the quality of human
communities. Prosperity of a nation depends on rational use of human and
physical resources through industrialization built on science and technology.
Despite perennial controversy between development and environment, striking a
balance between these two contradictory factors is immanent. Environment embodies
both living and non-living component on which men explicitly or implicitly
depend for their survival. Environmental Protection Act (1986) defines
“Environment as the sum total of water, air and land, their interrelationship
among themselves and with the human beings, both living and non-living
component and property”. EE adopts environmental system scientifically and
admits the study of physical and biological green characters as also social and
cultural factors and the impact of man on environment.
EE
protects environment with proper awareness and adequate knowledge. It,
therefore, highlights to develop education about environment, education for
environment and education through environment. EE adopting a holistic
perspective examines ecological, social, cultural and other aspects of specific
issues. EE is inter-disciplinary. This makes it imperative to train specialists
in EE for planning, development and adopting remedial measures for
decision-making and development strategies for environment protection. Based on
the report of the Education Commission, 1964-66, National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) prepared resource materials for
learning environment in primary education [1,2]. The National Policy on
Education, 1986 has also emphasized on EE [3]. A thirst is, therefore, felt to
disseminate for the protection of environment by refashioning its modality and
curriculum within the domain of education. UNESCO hunts for showing EE
economic, social, political and ecological interdependence of the modern world
where different countries have international repercussions respecting decisions
and actions. EE, thus, develops a sense of responsibility and solidarity among
countries and regions as the new international order guarantees environment
conservation and improvement. At the grass root, EE makes individuals and
communities understand the complex nature of the natural and the built
environments. UNESCO directs the following guiding principles of EE:
(a)compulsory right from primary stage to post graduate
stage.(b)interdisciplinary approach involving every aspect of
environment.(c)considering current and potential historical issues.(d)emphasis
on sustainable development.(e)seeking national and international
cooperation.(f)more emphasis on practical activities and first hand
experiences.
Literature
review develops researchers awareness about research works effectuated in the
past and feeds them methodology to contemplate the problem, and unveils the
unexposed particulars and impression. Studied the role of EE in soil
conservation among the farmers in Rakai District, Uganda and found majority
(over 90%) of the farmers practicing soil conservation by learning environment
[4]. Endeavored with robust approach for the fortification of academic and
non-academic realms in EE and argued affirming inextricable relationship of
formal education system with non-formal like conservation photographers [5]. Inferred
positive impact of methodical contemplating and interpretation of EE programmes
towards conservation of nature [6]. Examined the role of ecotourism in EE
towards conservation of biodiversity at Selirong Island Forest Recreational
Park in Brunei Darussalam and observed there incompetent EE mechanism in bringing
etiquette of tourists. The author suggests for alternative EE programme by
merging with the private sector and the tourism industry [7]. Tested
infallibility of the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) Scale among school
children in Senegal. The authors conclude that the Scale seems capricious among
children for passionate theism, little knowledge and their alternative approach
towards society and nature [8]. Examined instant and sustained environmental
knowledge of children in West Africa. The results reveal dramatic growth in
their knowledge and stance towards nature conservation activities [9].
Discussed the role of media in conservation and EE. Most of the performances
supported the philosophy of pragmatism. The author wishes to discern the
humanistic view of environment and illuminates to reconcile the human and
wildlife to execute sustainable environment [10]. Examined the knowledge of EE
students from the Mahasarakham University, Thailand about the conservation of
watershed forestry. The researcher finds growth in students’ knowledge and
disposition towards watershed forest conservation after the program is over [11].
Conducted extensive interviews with conservation practitioners to acknowledge
the role of EE for biodiversity conservation developed on Communication,
Education and Public Awareness and Participation Strategies (CEPA).The results
evidence that EE teachers and institutions make significant behaviorisms among
the target population [12]. In their examination on community-based EE in conservation
of environment towards educated fishermen in coastal villages of Tuticorin
showed that EE help the fishermen understand the need for their environmental
health and the importance of nature. EE should be ongoing to make the
fisherfolks conscientious towards environmental protection [13]. In their study
showed more pizzazz and receptivity of female undergraduate students towards
environment than male students as to their gender and faculty types [14]. In
their survey on environmental awareness of Shanghai College students showed
that the students in general regard environmental issues with high spirits
[15]. Investigated the liaison between local environmental knowledge and
environmental concern among college students. Result indicates that local environmental
knowledge is not palpably pertaining to an individual‘s level of environmental
concern [16]. In their study on environmental awareness evidenced higher degree
of awareness of professional courses undergraduate students than
non-professional students of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh [17]. In the
survey on responsible habitual activities for environmental sustainability
among undergraduate students in Nagaon
sub-division of state Assam indicated students mostly constructive attitude
(about 92%) towards environment [18]. In the study on behaviour and perception
of college students about EE in Nagaland showed majority of the students (about
92%) enthusiasm towards environment and deliberation in EE subject [19]. In
their study observed students environmental awareness built on their current
eventualities [20]. Found that at primary level, the Finland EVS curriculum is
high-grade as regards making students aware and responsible towards environment
whereas the Indian curriculum lacks clarity in aims, content, pedagogy and
assessment [21]. Observed that folk music and folk songs help students acquaint
with their own culture and familiarize for the environmental aspects [22]. Observed
productive EE teachers community involvement in teaching sustainability helps
grasp local environmental challenges and develop solutions [23]. Portrayed that
germane teachers training boosts environmental knowledge; but knowledge sharing
into positiveness and quintessence is an extensive procedure and postulates
constant intrusion [24]. Revealed more environmental awareness of senior
secondary students than high school students. Girls at high school demonstrate
better environmental awareness than boys [25]. Observed compatibility about
environmental awareness amongst the pre-service graduate teachers and have more
environmental awareness of female teachers than the male [26]. Reported
suppression of English medium over Urdu and Kannada for embellishing
environmental awareness of students in Gulbarga, Karnataka [27]. Observed that
scientific concepts collaborating with environmental issues have not been
approached congruously for the NCERT science textbooks of Class IX and Class X
[28]. Found teachers use of only blackboard and chalk for teaching-learning EVS
and no attempts to better textbooks. Classroom teaching-learning is cramped to
reading out the text either by teachers or students. Teachers cannot unearth
social susceptibilities encapsulated in NCERT EVS textbooks perceiving hefty
modules missing pertinence. They also found treating environmental
studies(EVS)as additional subject to
science whereas social science as
separate subject in Delhi State Government schools against the National
Curriculum Framework,2005 [29]. Observed green practices in India reflecting
doltishness of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) among different
parties in school education. Relevant courses at the planning and
implementation levels improve synergism among lieutenancies [30]. Observed that
NGOs help build a symbiotic relationship between environment and society
through holistic approach [31]. Reported ramification of technology on
student’s attachment to environment [32]. Reported modest level of awareness
among Ladakh school teachers about local biodiversity, wildlife and preservation
[33]. Observed in their study that integrated approach can address the
curriculum load and help children learn EE excelling at Kendriya Vidyalaya
primary teachers [34]. Found that environmental studies at national level
embraces more social science intensity but the state curriculum fails to
provide contemplation towards this. He advocated for concerning social contact
with environment in the Assam State curriculum [35]. Found positive impact of
socio-economic factors on environmental management [36]. Found environmental
awareness and participation of the students in Tamil Nadu in environmental
programmes [37]. In their study in Bhopal demonstrated that domestic content
and immediate context is absent in environment studies textbooks in India. They
observed big gap between EE in Madhya Pradesh State curriculum and that of the
NCERT at the national level across all grades respecting contextual linkages
and interdisciplinary aspects. Students learn particulars and remedies without
their real connection with social realism. Although a major environmental
disaster i.e. the Bhopal gas tragedy eventuated, it does not value
illustriously in the environment studies textbooks of the Bhopal schools. The
article also elaborates how waste management prevails over problematical vital
industries and their waste generation. Eco literacy insinuates a wider
knowledge of how people and societies pertain to en masse and to innate
structure, and how they might do so greenly [38]. In their study in Madhya
Pradesh to examine the curriculum, textbooks and teaching of EE in India noted
that social aspects of the environment crisis are fairly absent both from the
textbooks as well as classroom teaching. Although there was a belief in the
concept of ‘balance of nature’ both among teachers and in the textbooks, this
belief is dubious and there is no scientific basis [39].
The
study is analytical and exploratory in nature and, in essence, rests on
secondary data. The researcher, being an external analyst, has to depend
substantially on current literature available in the form of books, journals,
articles, research projects, official websites, conference reports. Government
reports, etc. Editing, classification and tabulation of data assembled from
these sources have been accomplished as per necessity of the study. This paper
basically analyses the importance of EE in Indian context and also offers
suggestions for improvement of EE study in India.
Objective
of the study
The
prime objective of the study is to discuss the importance of EE and the
challenges that need to be considered in India. The paper also offers few
recommendations for improvement of EE in the country.
Environmental education in India
In the Indian scenario, although consideration for the environment is consistently a part of the culture, EE in a frog view embodied part of the education system only in the 1980s with the National Curriculum for Elementary Education mellowed by the NCERT systematically incorporating environmental issues in national textbooks [40].The Government of India endeavored to expedite the causes of EE at the same time through a nationally sponsored Ministry of Human Resource and Development(MHRD)programme, Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) in certain states to execute contextualized modules [38]. Although education commissions since independence have viewed the need for EE by anywise, it evolved obligatory only with the 2003 Supreme Court verdict which mandated all the states of India to teach ‘green curricula’.
Major ways: (i) Formal Education and (ii) Non-formal Education
(i) Formal Education:
Formal education has an explicit and meticulous syllabus. Formal EE starts at
primary school level. At lower secondary level, children become cognizant of
physical, social and elegant features of environment. At this stage and beyond,
inter-disciplinary approach must be adopted and emphasis must be on increasing
knowledge about environmental problems, conservation and economic resilience. National
Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed curriculum
framework. At university level, University Grants Commission with a
high-powered committee oversees and suggests areas of EE. Research institutes
like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), etc. provide EE. Environmental
management accommodates subjects like land-use, waste management, wildlife
management, conservation, forestry, biosphere reserves, etc. following
environmental policies and laws. Besides, there are topics to care the
wholeness of humankinds.
(ii)Non-formal Education:
The realization that EE is a lifelong affair instead a matter of formal
schooling produces growth in non-formal education. Flexibility of approach is
hallmark of non-formal programmes. Non-formal education embraces
extra-curricular activities like posters, essay-writing competitions,
exhibitions, seminars, nature camps, audio visual slides, mobile exhibitions,
etc. Eco-development camps foster awareness and solve environmental challenges.
Vikram Sarabhai Community Centre, Ahmedabad invites students to succeed
experiments and surveys. The centre has evolved a water monitoring kit for
students under the Ganga Pollution Control Programme. Organizations like Bal
Bhawan Society, Shantiniketan illuminate arts and crafts, folk dances, ballet
and street plays.
i)
Consider environment in its totality, natural and built technological and
social structures. ii) Environmental education to be a continuous lifesaving
process. iii) Environmental education to be interdisciplinary in its approach.
iv) Examine major environmental issues from local, national and international
point of view. v) Environmental education to focus on current and potential
environmental situations.vi) Promote the values and necessity of local,
national and international cooperation in the prevention and solution to
environmental problems. vii) Explicitly consider environmental aspects of plan
for development and growth. viii) Enhance the position of learners in making
decision concerning their environment and accept responsibility. Ix) Enable
learners to discover symptoms and real and potential causes of environmental
problems. x) Enhance the learners ability to develop critical thinking and
problem solving skills. xi) Utilize different learning environment and
approaches to learning/teaching about and form of the environment with emphasis
on first-hand information.
A
healthy environment is quintessential for the survival of human race. A vast
country like India faces formidable challenges in the shape of exploding
population, common penury, volatile disasters and dwindling natural resource.
Ethnic majority depends exclusively on scarce natural resource. Rapid
population growth causes untold sufferings and hazards. In this spirit, EE
becomes indispensable in India and accepted its need [41].Much emphasis is
placed on the new approaches of EE.
Inhabitants of rural, tribal, slum and urban areas, students and
teachers in educational institutes feel education about environment. EE with
sound legislation and sustainable management is important for effective policy
framework to safeguard environment. EE focuses afresh to help societies resolve
key issues about world's resources and encourages social participation to
attain sustainability. Environmental pollution in differentia escalates problem
but EE abets to apprehend the precise objectives of human activity on
environment. With this, people also learn physical science, biological science,
social science and applied science.
India
is one of the world’s top most populated cities. 27 Indian cities are amongst
the top 50 world’s most populated cities [42]. Urbanization rate is fast. Such
rapid urbanization eventuates social issues like poverty, unplanned
urbanization, industrialization and others resulting environmental degradation.
Key environmental issues are:
i) Air Pollution:
Air pollution vindicates 12.5% of total deaths in India. It also kills around
1, 00,000 children less than five years old every year [42].
ii) Water Pollution:
86% of the water bodies in India account polluted and unsafe for drinking or
any other domestic purposes. The Ganges River tops the list of the world’s
defile rivers with Yamuna River being the 10th. Groundwater is also exploited
as over 94.5% of all farming, irrigation and other activities are dependent on
it [42].
Iii) Waste Management:
Urban India produces 62 million tonnes of trash
annually. In all, only 70% is collected; 20% is treated while half of the waste
is dumped in landfills. India has also recorded a 56% increase in the number of
hazardous-waste generating industries in the last decade. Approximately, waste
generated annually may increase by 165 million tonnes around, 2030 [42].
India
is a quite diverse country apropos climate, geography, geology, ethnicity,
flora and fauna, society and economy. Therefore, EE in India has to be region
unique. Ministry of Environment and Forests has launched EE, Awareness and
Training Scheme to enhance skills to create awareness through seminars,
workshops, symposia, and training programmes. National Museum of Natural
History, New Delhi promotes education in various directions through exhibitions
and educational programmes and activities for children and general people.
Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education is heart of forestry
education and extension development. Forest Survey of India, Wildlife Institute
of India and others offer training on distinct perspectives of EE. Also, it
should be explicated that EE brings many career opportunities and as an
interdisciplinary subject, has tremendous scope in job creation. With growing
awareness of environmental study, demands arise for environmental educators,
professionals, economists, geographers, social scientists, etc. to meet
hazardous waste problems, government and industry policy, technologies,
environmental degradation, etc. Business too needs a pilgrim class of
environmentally literate and responsible leaders to study impact of products
and services on environment. EE needs trained people in India for: i) Nature
and Conservation. ii) Community. iii) Sustainable Development and iv) Research
and Project Development. EE in essence creates a sustainable solution amongst
the social, environmental and economic aspects. Education for sustainability
(ES) is often esteemed pedantically as an entier of EE where its ambient factor
is potently supplemented with social and economic aspects [43]. Education plays
a crucial role in environmental sustainability [44].
The
Indian administration has accredited the hot-button issue and ordained
directives to bolster environmental restoration as: Companies Act,2013;
National Green Tribunal Act,2010; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act,1981; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1974; Environment
Protection Act,1986; Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, etc. But still,
there is a gap between the thought and the implementation. There happened many
ecological blunders in the past for absence of consciousness of environment and
sustainability practices in various sectors like i)Faulty plantation drives at
Delhi. ii)Promotion of‘ monoculture plantation. iii) Disaster of converting
Mangrove zones to Shrimp farms. iv) Frauds and loopholes under corporate social
responsibility (CSR). In 2020, new rules have been implanted to curb the frauds
but the system is bound to constrict CSR implementation in their activities for
bearing responsibility of the consumers, workers, stakeholders and the
community. India incipiently has mandated CSR for companies [42]. Infosys in
collaboration with the United Nations creates awareness to make their campuses
free of single-use and non-recyclable plastics, and also to reduce its per
capita generation by 50%. ITC targets to ensure full packaging reusable,
recyclable or compostable [45].
Revision of EE:
At present, Indian EE is not much enticing and edifying for the students. It
should be meliorated to express a bright materiality with the reality. Content
must highlight an incorporated thematic or an interdisciplinary approach where
the ideas are reflected through big ideas and unifying themes over the isolated
segments.
Design of course
material: Course materials should be practical by
nature and endorse a holistic understanding of the particular area’s
environment. Material should build propinquity in regular chores of the
students and their environment.
Development of
sustainability: Sustainability rests on acceptance
by the teachers and their potentiality to feed the course dexterously. Camps
should be organized for teachers training sporadically. Several educationists
cogitate Education for Sustainability (ES) as crucial of EE where ecological
dimension of EE is invincibly exacerbated with demographic concerns [43].
The
Indian Constitution has enshrined commitment to environmental protection and
improvement. EE is mainstream of both the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MEF) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).MHRD works towards
the environmentalization of the formal curriculum, while MEF discerns non-formal
educational strategies to touch the larger community. Also, different voluntary
organizations promote EE activities in both formal and non-formal settings with
the assistance of governments, independent trusts, donors, agencies, etc. The
National Policy on Education, 1986 posits “There is a paramount need to create
an environmental consciousness permeating all ages and all sections of society
which should inform teaching in schools and colleges” [3]. The policy
contemplates national curricular structure having direct bearing on natural and
social environment of the students. These occupy legendary place in
instructional materials as well as in classrooms and out-of-school activities.
Today EE in the formal educational system in India is maneuvered at three
levels e.g. at the primary school level
as a composite subject called
environment; at the middle and secondary school level as introduction into
environment in regular school subjects
and at the college level as a separate
subject. For effectively shouldered EE in curricular, co-curricular and
extra-curricular mode, resources have to be embellished over the school and
college systems. Universities and colleges offer degree or diploma covering all
facets of environmental science and engineering. Autonomous Research and
Development institutions like CSIR, ICAR and ICMR also proffer doctoral degree.
Formal education in environmental science is available stretching the
top-echelon. Environmental study programme requires restructuring. Courses
should have specific curricula having specialists such as forest ecology,
limnology, marine ecology, environmental analysis, pollution studies,
environmental toxicology, etc.
i)Continuous
lifelong process beginning from pre-school level to all formal and non-formal
stages; ii)Interdisciplinary approach in making holistic perspective;
iii)Examining major environmental issues from local, national, regional and international
aspects to help students receive insights in other geographical areas;
iv) Deliberating current and potential environmental situations including
historical perspective; v)Promoting national and international cooperation in
the proscription of environmental problems;
vi)Enabling learners in projecting their experiences for decisioning,
implementing strategies and accepting consequences; vii)Helping learners
discover the decent cause of environmental problems; viii)Emphasizing the
complexity of green issues and the need to formulate critical thinking and
methodical skills; ix)Devoting diverse learning environments and a broad array
of educational approaches highlighting practicum and competencies.
Teachers
should be both demonstrator and governor of knowledge to teaching-learning
situations to improve attitudes and awareness apropos environment in students.
Classroom organizations need big swing. Teacher’s preparation assumes
noteworthiness. Their optimism should season the offspring. EE is a transition
in 'what' is being taught and more a new perspective on 'why' and ‘how’. The
key to transition in educational system is teacher; unless teacher is convinced
and feels competent to handle this, very little will reciprocate. Teachers
should internalize switch in role from 'giver’ of knowledge to 'facilitator’ in
learning process. Pre-service and in-service orientation is bee-line to succeed
this.
Teachers
should be well-equipped with the education paradigm and teaching-learning
materials to inculcate intellect towards environment. Distance education is
non-formal, learner-centric and cost effective; alternative method of
teaching-learning remains away from direct, immediate and social interaction.
It bridges instructional gap. Open and distance learning can be applied to
nurture EE [46]. Distance education employs multimedia approach to instruction
involving judicious blend of print and non-print Medias. Technology has
salutary repercussions on teaching-learning system bringing passionate
rationale among learners. Teaching has become charismatic and both students and
teachers have become equally enthused.
i)
There is poor pre-service training and apposition around the perimeter of EE in
terraces of training programmes. A core issue is that EE should not be
daydreamed as sheer prelude of environmental concepts and facts.
ii)
Teachers are poorly adapted to tackle the new subject. 'Environment' has been
incorporated as subject by any means in most curricula but training in EE is
yet to introduce in the teacher-training courses. .
iii)
Students do not fathom EE pragmatic like other subjects. EE has been
incorporated as an optional or elective subject into teacher-training courses.
'Non-science' students feel incompetence to grasp it as they extrapolate EE
contains heavy natural science materials.
iv)
One-time training module is inadequate in orienting teachers to initiate EE
efforts over time. There must be some system whereby teachers can receive
ongoing support through both formal training programmes and continued
networking.
v)
There is urgency for relevant resource materials for teachers. Worth of
locale-specific EE materials extends certainly to address concepts and issues.
vi)
Lack of support from institutional management and other crucial agencies may
restrict the access of teachers to training opportunities, resource and ongoing
support in implementing EE activities amid their work.
i)
Stern specialism. Ii) Intricacy of multidisciplinary efficacy of EE. iii) High
student-teacher ratio for projecting students involvement. IV) Rarity of
skilled green mentor. v) Inadequate resources concerning equipment and
materials.vi) Inclination to oppose reformations.
Educational institutions have not adequate time to teach sustainable environment as a subject to students. Administration finds it difficult to avail resources necessary for offering high quality EE. Most of the teachers lack sufficient knowledge to impart sustainable EE. Students also do not give importance in learning environment as a subject since they consider it drossy to them. The important one is, therefore, to develop awareness eco-friendly. Although India has taken much ingenuity in EE today, environmental educators face several challenges. Few challenges include: i)Unearthing proper blend between centralized and decentralized exertion and approaches; ii)Devising environmental challenges relevant to distinct classes. iii)Proffering EE on the list of academic policy-makers. iv)Proposing sustainable development issues top on the programs of policy-makers. v)Developing human and financial resources for EE.
Challenges: issues and ideas for the 21st century
EE
being vital to decipher ecological concerns must be relevant to the needs of
the community and still refashions to the constantly evolving social and
technological landscape. At the threshold of a new century, environmental
educators must emerge with fresh acquaintances and techniques to address the
demands of constantly evolving social and technological vista. These challenges
require research and trained environmental professionals and educators as well
as communication of eco-friendly information to the common public. Great stride
in strengthening EE for the common public is especially pertinent in terms of
defining EE and its objectives [47]. Cogent EE is a challenge to welcome the
benefits of India’s natural heritage.
i)
Environmental cruelty needs to be swungen at all levels-local, national and
international. It necessitates to straddle awareness in sustainable development
and green mystery to clinch gratification on earth for all mortals.
ii)
Teachers can strengthen the citizens with their ability, attitude and values to
protect environment and generate workforce of virtuoso enthusiastic learners.
They should be trained and equipped with requisite skills and values to
consummate the novelties.
iii)
Universities and schools have to play a momentous role to implement the
recommendations of the various commissions and committees for achieving
environmental literacy among learners.
iv)
Technological interventions and mass media are imperative to create
environmental awareness among the teaching community. A convergence of the
conventional and distance learning systems can meet this challenge.
v)
Teachers training modules should incorporate EE with diverse disciplines since
environment embraces other fields of study. Open line like TV, radio, press and
satellite technology are effective for environment educators.
vi)
Online courses with a drive on skill and value betterment demeanor can be built
in line with Green Teacher Programme of the Centre for Environmental Education,
Ahmadabad, India for being informed about environmental issues.
vii)
Students should be taught the role of trees, wild life, etc. and to restore
their milieu. Goal-oriented breeding yields to love plants and animals.
viii)
Students should have skills and susceptibility to explicate ambient factors.
ix)
Multi-media courseware on environmental problems and awareness can be prepared
particularly for the agriculturism in India.
x)
Synergism can be initiated between teachers and community through educational
institutions to interpolate campaigns on environmental awareness, tree
plantations, waste management, etc. in building instructional materials.
xi)
Intelligent retrieval plays a big role in dissemination of knowledge, skills
and values among teachers and thereby to future generations. Networks
necessitate to connect globally for acquiring information and expertise on
latest developments towards EE and training.
xii)
Social awareness campaign in the fields of health, family planning nutrition,
rural women development, dissuasion of cross-contamination, etc. necessitates
organizing from villages to towns.
xiii)
EE leads to meticulous usage of resources, retrieval of used substance by waste
recycling to withstand growing exigencies of consumption on the scarce
resources of the planet, rocketing degree of environmental pollution and the
problems of landfill.
xiv)
EE originates solicitude for environment that sensitizes green in individual’s
mundane sustainable life to safeguard it. Hence, there is a need to stow our
heart towards environment by applying pragmatic proposition rested on
cognizance and self-study.
Population
growth and industrial use pose big dilema to the protection of basic aquatic
resources. EE due to its delicate attribute receives less importance than other
aspects of environmental protection. To generate growing enthusiasm in the
environmental field over the new century and to foster general public's
knowledge for the environment, EE should start responding to major challenges
like changes in demographics and experience, integration of novel data feeds
with exploratory bettering rooms, communication of environmental issues to
public and avoidance of inner grief. Teachers should be EE facilitators for
adopting pragmatic approach to teaching-learning for environment. Besides
teachers training, ongoing support from outreach sites needs to reach EE
programme in institutions for its tangency with the educational system.
A
sagacity, certainly a fervid committal to EE can be created by attracting people
intellect, dissecting deterrents and proffering approach to proceed. People
will acknowledge the benefits of sustentation and become reformers when they
fathom the profundity of environment, its close-knit with the ocean, and how
human thriving is secured to environmental health. Our future and the future of
our planet reckon on our sheltering environment.
The
paper is devoted to ALMIGHTY GOD who
bestows HIS blessings in all walks
of my life.