Sensitization Programs on Understanding Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Eco-Club Students

Sensitization Programmes on Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, has launched a prestigious flagship initiative titled, ‘Sensitization Programmes on Understanding Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Eco-club Students.’ This project is strategically designed to impart deep environmental awareness and instill long-term behavioral changes amongst the city's young citizenry. By enhancing the understanding of climate-driven biodiversity loss, the programme reinforces the indispensable role of ecosystem services in supporting adaptation measures and building urban resilience.

Project Activities

MoU Signing and Official Launch 
Marking a significant milestone in environmental governance, the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) formalised their partnership by signing an MoU on May 22, 2025. This date was chosen to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity, underlining the project's core mission. The ceremony was graced by the Hon'ble Environment Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa, alongside the Special Secretary (Environment & Forest) and other senior dignitaries from the GNCTD, signifying high-level state support for youth-led climate action.

Development of Specialized Resource Material 
A critical component of the project is the creation of bespoke resource materials. These have been meticulously developed with the objective of de-jargonizing and simplifying complex scientific data to make the content age-appropriate for school students and undergraduates. The goal is to bridge the gap between high-level climate science and practical understanding. As part of this initiative, a comprehensive toolkit has been prepared to facilitate seamless dissemination at the school and college levels, serving as a roadmap for educators.

Paryavaran Sanrakshak Training Programme 
On July 4, 2025, a Master Trainers’ Workshop for Paryavaran Sanrakshaks was conducted at the TERI headquarters in New Delhi. This day-long intensive session brought together a diverse cohort of experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to build the capacity of selected mentors. A major highlight was the presence of the Hon’ble Minister (Environment & Forest), Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inaugurated the session. The workshop addressed vital thematic areas including climate change, biodiversity conservation, air pollution, and waste management, focusing on integrating environmental education into the existing school eco-club ecosystems.

Sensitization Workshops in Educational Institutions 
The project is currently being rolled out via 3-4 hour sensitization workshops delivered by the trained Paryavaran Sanrakshaks. At the school level, the workshops specifically target students from Grades 6 to 8, engaging a minimum of 100 students per session. For higher education, the programme focuses on undergraduate students active in eco-clubs. Each workshop is designed to be interactive, comprising a technical session, a competitive quiz, and a poster-making contest. To ensure scientific rigor and measure impact, pre- and post-assessments are conducted with a sample size of students from every session.

Expected Outcomes

• Broad-Based Awareness: Increasing the environmental literacy of over 2,000 Eco-club students and teachers across the Delhi-NCR region regarding the interlinkages between climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthening the network of ‘Paryavaran Sanrakshaks’ through a structured training framework, enabling them to lead impactful community workshops.
• Knowledge Legacy: The successful development and dissemination of high-quality resource materials and teaching aids that will serve as a permanent reference for climate change adaptation and ecosystem services.