Aravali Foundation for Education

India is in throes of urbanisation that are truly unprecedented. It is estimated that by year 2030, more than 40% of India’s population will be living in cities. While urbanisation is an inevitable and well anticipated process in the course of development of a nation, it is necessary that those who live in cities, are conscious of the demands they place on nature as well the impact that these demands have on landscapes even hundreds of miles away.

The ongoing battle to conserve earth as living planet will not be fought, and won, in the corridors of power, or laboratories of scientists, but in the hearts and minds of people. It is now well recognize that if the efforts of governments and other agencies in the field of conservation of environmental-resources are to succeed, what is needed is an informed society that is conscious of the key issues, and a willing partner in implementing solutions. It is also critically important to motivate bright youngsters to consider career options in the field of environmental-resource management. This is necessary to ensure that future efforts are not compromised due to lack of quality leadership and innovation.

While the need of the hour is to sensitize the society as a whole, school students are considered to be the most effective target audience for conservation education and awareness programs. The reasons for this special consideration for school students are the age specific malleability and curiosity that makes them readily receptive to the message of conservation and sustainable management of resources. Also, because of long working lives ahead of them the message delivered is more durable and the learning has a good chance of cascading down into day-to-day lifestyles and decision-making.

For an ecologically secure future, the “Generation Next” needs to be allowed a sneak preview of the vision held by the leaders of today to safeguard the environmental and ecological security of the country (and the world) and understand the issues and concerns in depth through interaction with experts/activists of eminence engaged in conservation efforts, in all their dimensions, and at various lavels.

As a small step towards achieving the objectives outlined above, Vacation Program on Bio- Resources (VPBR) is a unique initiative of the Aravali Foundation for Education (AFE), New Delhi and the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India. Each year, VPBR is organised by AFE in collaboration with other premier institution(s) having a similar mandate....more