Book and website to improve students’ learning of environment launched in The Nilgiris
A book and website on ‘Nilgiri Uyirsholai’ – a project to improve students’ learning through its unique natural environment, biodiversity and traditional knowledge, was released
A book and website on ‘Nilgiri Uyirsholai’ – a project to improve students’ learning through its unique natural environment, biodiversity and traditional knowledge, was released by District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, and Asha Ajith, Director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu, in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. At the event, the Collector said ‘Nilgiri Uyirsholai’ was being implemented in 51 government schools in its first phase. “The fundamental objective of this project is to connect students’ learning and everyday lives with the unique natural environment, rich biodiversity, traditional knowledge and lifestyles of local communities of the Nilgiris.
As the first phase of the project, 2,250 students studying in 51 government schools in the Nilgiris district have been enrolled. The project has been designed not merely to provide students with information about the environment, but to enable them to directly learn about the landscape in which they live, understand nature and participate responsibly in its protection,” she said. As part of the project, 51 teachers were given training in two phases in nature-based practical activities, inquiry-based learning, field experiences and activity-based learning approaches.
Through the programme, students have been given opportunities to directly learn about natural resources, plants, animals, water bodies, forests, biodiversity and environmental challenges around them. “The Nilgiri Uyirsolai Project integrates traditional knowledge with modern science and enables students to understand the Nilgiris’ natural resources and biodiversity. At the same time, it develops among students greater awareness of concern for nature, environmental responsibility and sustainable lifestyles,” the district administration stated. Asha Ajith appreciated the efforts of the Collector in implementing the initiative and said that the initiative would be expanded across the State.
She further called upon the students to support nature and environmental protection and asked them to practice source segregation of waste as well as to plant and maintain trees.
The BriefWire