By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 22 Dec: Central Academy for State Forest Service, Dehradun, organised a three-day training workshop (20 to 22 December) on “Nature Interpretation for Conservation” for Nature Guides, Wildlife Conservation Foundation Experts, Nature Interpretation Experts, Nature Interpretation Centre Developers, Bird Watchers, etc., sponsored by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
The importance of conservation of Forests and Wildlife ecosystem is the need of the hour without which the existence of mankind is a big question. Even though the Forest and Environment Department is mandated with conservation of Forests & Wildlife, the conservation efforts could maximise only with effective awareness and public participation. In view of that, this course is designed to understand how conservation could be achieved through nature interpretation which is the mediation of feelings and knowledge of nature and the cultural landscape. The focus was on topics like Conservation through Interpretation, Lepidoptera as a focal species for conservation, Citizen science and Birding, Success story from Forest Department, Field story & experience sharing – Rajaji National Park, Chaurasi Kutiya. Over the course of three immersive days, participants had the opportunity to engage with leading experts, leaders, and field practitioners.
Anjali Bharatri, Conservation Interpreter, Uttarakhand, graced the inaugural session as Keynote speaker of the training workshop. In her keynote address, she emphasised what nature interpretation is and the way of interpretation which would lead to path of conservation.
Meenakshi Joshi, Principal, Central Academy for State Forest Service, Dehradun, and Dr T Beula Ezhil Mathi, Course Director and faculty members were present on this occasion.
