Conservation Education Network

CONSERVATION EDUCATION NETWORK Third Annual Retreat, Kotagiri, Nilgiris.

Building a Network of Conservation Educators

In 2008, ATREE took the initiative to establish a network of conservation educators, bringing together individuals and organizations from across India dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and action. The group's primary goals are to:

Share ideas, resources, and experiences

Foster collaboration and support among like-minded individuals

Advocate for conservation education initiatives

The network's first meeting took place in 2008 at Navadarshanam Trust in Ganganahally hamlet, Gumalapuram Village, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. Subsequent retreats have been held in Auroville (2009) and Keystone Foundation (2010).

Keystone Foundation Retreat: A Deep Dive into Conservation

The third retreat of the Conservation Network, held at Keystone Foundation from October 20-22, 2010, provided a rich learning experience for participants. Pratim Roy, Director of Keystone Foundation, gave an insightful overview of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and the organization's work.

Robert Leo, Programme Coordinator at Keystone Foundation, presented a captivating PowerPoint presentation titled "Bee Buzz – Life and Times of the Honey Bee." Participants were fascinated by the intricacies of honey bee ecology and their crucial role in the environment.

A highlight of the retreat was the meeting with the Barefoot Communicators, indigenous elders who share their knowledge of the forest with children. Their passion and dedication to conservation provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies.

Nimesh from Samrakshan Mizoram led a discussion on tailoring communication strategies to suit different target audiences and situations, further enhancing participants' understanding of effective outreach.

The visit to the Bee Museum in Ooty provided a fascinating glimpse into the intricate web of relationships within the ecosystem. Participants gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of even seemingly insignificant creatures like honey bees in human existence.

A Closing Dialogue with Dr. A.R. Vasavi

The retreat concluded with a thought-provoking presentation and interaction with Dr. A.R. Vasavi, a renowned scholar from the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore. Dr. Vasavi's talk focused on the interlinks between conservation, education, and the rural context, leaving participants with a renewed sense of the transformative potential of conservation education.

To commemorate the retreat, participants engaged in Ajilebottu painting on bags and enjoyed a lively arakol dance, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

The Conservation Network continues to thrive, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations working towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.