New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) The National Zoological Park here has concluded the first session of its Summer Vacation Programme, with students participating in activities related to biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and sustainable living.
Organised under the Mission LiFE campaign and aligned with the World Environment Day theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future”, the week-long programme aimed to create awareness among school students on environmental conservation and climate action, a statement said.
According to the statement, the programme received 854 online registrations from schools across Delhi-NCR. During the first session, 54 students from 18 schools participated in various activities.
The programme included expert lectures, guided zoo tours, heritage walks, conservation awareness sessions, photography workshops, educational visits and interactive discussions with scientists and conservation experts, it stated.
The sessions began with an orientation programme and guided zoo tour focusing on herbivores and carnivores, it stated, adding that scientist Faiyaz Khudsar from the Yamuna Biodiversity Park addressed students on conservation and environmental challenges, including urban heat islands and human impact on nature.
Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said involving children in conservation activities is crucial for instilling environmental responsibility at a young age.
Other sessions focused on Mission LiFE, sustainable lifestyles and wildlife photography.
Scientist C R Magesh from the National Museum of Natural History spoke about sustainable living practices, while Sharad Gaur, scientist (retd) from the Centre for Environment Education, conducted a session on nature photography and conservation awareness, the statement said.
As part of World Turtle Day activities, students participated in art and craft exercises and discussions on turtle conservation and the impact of climate change on wildlife, it added.
A heritage walk at Purana Qila was also organised to help students understand the connection between environmental conservation and preservation of cultural heritage. Participants were briefed on traditional water conservation systems and protection of archaeological sites, the statement said.
Educational visits to the reptile house and bird house were conducted to spread awareness about the species, and zoo-led conservation initiatives.
On World Otter Day, students attended sessions on wetland ecosystems and plastic recycling. Representatives from Bisleri International Private Limited spoke about reducing plastic pollution and adopting sustainable practices, it said.
The final day included a visit to the zoo arboretum (botanical garden), where students learned about medicinal, ornamental and ecologically important plant species.
Concluding the programme, Kumar encouraged students to adopt eco-friendly habits, reduce plastic use and participate actively in environmental conservation efforts, the statement said. PTI SHB ARB ARB
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