WildRoots centers its work in Environmental Education, Biodiversity Awareness and Conservation through the development of educational programs based on Citizen Science and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). The impact of those programs has reached national and international stakeholders that are working together to address local and global problems while connecting people with nature. As example, the 1st Youth Climate & Conservation Fellowship Programme was organized in 2022 by Biswajit De, CEC Member and Founder President of WildRoots, funded by IUCN CEC and inspired by #NatureForAll.
“Conservation education demands engagement of the members of the Community, from all Sectors - in other words, Conservation can’t happen without the Community and People” said Dr. De.
Citizen Science and Conservation Education
Guided by the vision of creating a sustainable model, its means and a platform to promote collaborative synergies between Urban & Rural Educational Institutions in India, WildRoots created the Citizen Science Collaborative Program. This initiative connects student communities from both -the urban and rural- sectors providing a ‘bringing-together approach” that combines their particular strengths. From the urban educational sector are integrated quality modern resources such as the ICT, and from rural areas the opportunity of having direct connection to forest and natural bio-geographical areas that nurture a better understanding of forest resources and ecosystem services.
Additionally, to engage community-based actions with nature conservation, WildRoots invites educational institutions to be part of this Program by mobilizing Teacher Leaders, preferably involved with Biology, Zoology or Geography/Social Sciences and selects students (from Indian Schools & Universities) with different skills and talents. Students are encouraged to express their ideas about the object of study (birds, bats, butterflies, tigers, rhinos, reptiles and amphibians, etc.) through writing, taking pictures, nature based illustrations, collecting data or any other way they want.
A Call to Action!
WildRoots has developed different educational activities and training modules to connect people with nature for biodiversity conservation. In their programs, students also learn basics about design and cinematography through exercises on script-writing, pre-production and storyboarding. Introductory sessions related to audiovisuals including camera types, shots, moves, transitions, and the use of light, among other topics. You can be part of WildRoots' activities! Find more info here.