Ecological-Literacy Course
INTACH
10th-13th June 2014
Introduction:
Accordingto Fritjof Capra, “in the coming decades, the survival of humanity willdepend on our ecological literacy – our ability to understand the basicprinciples
of ecology and to live accordingly. This means that eco-literacymust become a critical skill for politicians, business leaders, andprofessionals in all spheres, and should be the most important part ofeducation at all levels – from primary and secondary schools
to colleges,universities, and the continuing education and training of professionals.”
David W. Orr has statedthat the goal of ecological literacy is “built on the recognition that thedisorder of ecosystems reflects
a prior disorder of mind, making it a centralconcern to those institutions that purport to improve minds. In other words,the ecological crisis is in every way a crisis of education”.
Ø
Eco-literacyleads to an understanding of the workings of the natural world around us andthe manner in which free eco-system services, which sustain the planet,
areavailable to human communities.
Ø
Eco-literacyenables citizens to appreciate the sustainability implication of publicdecisions and the environmental issues involved which are made on their behalf
so as to provide informed feedback todecision makers and public representatives
Ø
Eco-literacyleads to informed decision making at all levels – be it individual, socialgroup or community, public administrators, institutional and business decision
makers
Objective:Through this course INTACH
seeks to equip concernedcitizens, decision makers and administrators with an ecological perspective,understanding of the interconnected working of eco-systems and the resultanteco-system services, with a view:
- To enable members of the general public understand ecological implications of governmental decision making and actions
of large institutional and corporate entities, understand the language of experts, enable intelligent participation in public debates, encourage public stewardship of the commons.
- To enable ecologically informed decisions by public and private entities which enable a balance between development
needs with ecological concerns and sustaining free eco-system services from nature.
TargetAudience: Citizens,
mid-level administrators from government sector, educationists,CSR personnel, NGO representatives.
Venue: IndianNational Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH), 71, Lodhi estate,multipurpose hall.
Course Date: 10th – 13thJune, 2014 (Last date for registration 30th May 2014)
Course fee:
· Rs.
3000.00 (Indiannationals-Students, NGOs, Public)
[20 %less for INTACH members and employees, 30 % less for full-time
students]
· US
$ 200.00 (Foreignnationals)
· For
GovernmentOfficials - Rs. 7,500.00 [early bird discount 25% upto 10 May/14]
SCHEDULE
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DAY 1- 10th June 2014
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TIME
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CONTENT
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SPEAKER
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9:30-10:30 am
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Session 1: Introduction to Ecology & Environment, Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services
·
An Ecological Diagnosis of the Living Earth
·
Humanity and the Tragedy of the commons (Hardin’s Theory)
·
Human shifts to an Urban lifestyle and its impact
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Dr. Ritu Singh
Sr. Consultant,
INTACH
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10:30-11:00 am
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Tea
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11:00-12:00 pm
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Session 2: Ecosystem Components
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Abiotic and Biotic factors
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Eco-system processes:
I.
Energy flows,
II.
Food webs and chain,
III.
Trophic levels,
IV.
Material & nutrient cycling
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Dr. Ghazala Shahabuddin
Associate Professor, Ambedkar University, Delhi
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12:00-1:00 pm
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Session 3: Population Ecology and Dynamics
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Species, populations, communities
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Diversity, Niche, Habitats
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Dr. Ghazala Shahabuddin
Associate Professor, Ambedkar University, Delhi
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1:00-2:00 pm
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Lunch
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2:00-3:00 pm
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Disturbances
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Succession, Climax Community
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Pulses and Presses
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Ecological Community as a Living Mosaic
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Prof. C. K. Varshney
Professor
Emeritus, JNU
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3:00-3:30 pm
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Tea
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3:30-4:30 pm
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Session 4: Bio-geographic Regions (Biomes)
·
Ecosystem patterns
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Grasslands, forests, deserts, mountains, saltwater biomes, freshwater biomes
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Prof. C. K. Varshney
Professor
Emeritus, JNU
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DAY 2- 11th June 2014
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TIME
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CONTENT
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SPEAKER
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9:30-10:30 am
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Session 1: Humans as the biggest drivers of Ecological Change
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Humans as energy consumers
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Environment pollution
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Rare species extinction and introduction of invasive species declining biodiversity
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Challenges of waste and disposal
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Prof. C. K. Varshney
Professor
Emeritus, JNU
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10:30-11:00 am
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Tea
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11:00-12:00 pm
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Session 2: Climate Change
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Ecology of global climate change
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Carbon cycles, GHGs and Global warming
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Rain and Heat as forces of climate change
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Water cycle
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Nitrate and phosphate cycle
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Prof. C. K. Varshney
Professor
Emeritus, JNU
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12:00-1:00 pm
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Session 3:
Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change
·
What is adaptation?
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Challenges to adaptation
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Concepts: TEEB, REDD
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Dr. Ritu Mathur
Associate Director, TERI
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1:00-2:00 pm
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Lunch
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2:00-3:00 pm
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Session 4: Urban Biodiversity and Sustainability
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Urban Biodiversity
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Towards sustainable urban ecosystem (Green buildings & eco-campuses)
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Green Practices
1.
Green consumerism
2.
Terrace farming
3.
How to be green, 3 R’s, tree census, urban agriculture, green consumerism
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Dr. Ritu Singh
Sr. Consultant, INTACH
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3:30-4:00 pm
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Tea
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4:00-5:00 pm
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Session 5: Agricultural ecology
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Ecology of agriculture
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Ecological consequences of agriculture
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Prof. C. K. Varshney
Professor
Emeritus, JNU
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DAY 3- 12th June 2014
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TIME
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CONTENT
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SPEAKER
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9:30-10:30 am
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Session 1: Restoration Ecology
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Introduction to restoration ecology
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Strategies for restoring and conserving ecosystem
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Dr. Faiyaz Khudsar
Scientist Incharge, Yamuna Biodiversity Park
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10:30-11:00 am
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Tea
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11:00-12:00 pm
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Session 2: International Environmental Laws, Treaties & Protocols
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Rio Conventions, 1992
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Kyoto Protocol: UNFCCC
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CITES
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UNCCD
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UN Urban Environmental Accord
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CMS
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CBD: AICHI Biodiversity Targets
·
Ramsar Convention
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Ms. Swati Singh Sambyal
Senior Research Associate,
Industry and Environment Unit,
Centre for Science and Environment
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12:00-1:00 pm
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Session 3: Indian Environmental Law
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Constitution of India Provisions
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Water & Air Acts
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Environmental Protection Act
·
Wildlife Protection Act
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Ms. Swati Singh Sambyal
Senior Research Associate, CSE
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1:00-2:00 pm
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Lunch
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2:00-2:45 pm
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·
Biodiversity Conservation Act
·
Wetland Rules
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Coastal Management Rules
·
State Acts, Notification and Rules
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Ms. Swati Singh Sambyal
Senior Research Associate, CSE
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2:45-3:30 pm
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Session 5: Institutional Architecture
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Ministries
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Pollution Control Board
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National Green Tribunal
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Centrally Empowered Committee
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Ms. Swati Singh Sambyal
Senior Research Associate, CSE
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3:30-4:00 pm
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Tea
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4:00-5:00 pm
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Session 6: Environment Impact Assessment & Strategic Impact Assessment
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Ms. Swati Singh Sambyal
Senior Research Associate, CSE
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Day 4- 13th June 2014:Field
visit either to Aravalli Biodiversity Park or Yamuna Biodiversity Park.