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Bid to bridge gap between books and biodiversity

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 17 � In order to initiate students to the beauty and charm of nature and to bridge the gap between books and biodiversity, Eco Concept has launched a programme to take students on trips to let them explore the world of nature.

This programme has not only provided the students an opportunity to communicate with nature, but also expanded their knowledge base about the geography and history of their own State as well as the neighbouring States.

�We have involved the students of city-based schools in our programme and have received enthusiastic response from them,� said Nilutpal Das, president of Eco Concept. He added that this attempt to explore and understand nuances of the biological world is very helpful to the students.

Recently students from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Parijat Academy, Maria�s Public School and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati, went on an expedition to the Chandubi-Meghalaya area for a first-hand exposure to biological diversity and to understand the community�s relationship with it.

�It was a three-day trip that featured interesting and educative activities including crossing the river to reach Langkhar forest village beyond Chandubi and trekking to Rajakhamai village in Meghalaya,� said Das.

During the trip the children identified different species of plants, birds and animals, discussed information received from the forest officials and interacted with the community to understand the diversity around them, their method of seed keeping and living in harmony with the environment.

The next destination was Balakhwa village, a little distance from Chandubi, and in Meghalaya where the students interacted with local jhum (shifting cultivation) farmers to understand the pros and cons of the method and what chance it has in the wake of climate change.

�When we read about nature in books, it is possible to imagine to a certain extent, but very difficult to connect to it. Without facilitating that connection, we cannot expect the next generation to take steps to preserve it,� said Das.

The next event that has been lined up is a summer camp for students. During the camp, students will be introduced to different aspects of nature and rural life.

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