Protection Of Planet Earth

International School Science Conference at INSA Conference Detail

Aim:

To disseminate the messages and values of nature conservation to youth and students through innovative approaches and help initiate group action on critical issues of concern to society.

Science is an integral part of our life in the present times so much so that even the food we eat is a product of scientific development that has taken place within the last century. Whether it is commerce or media, manufacturing or agriculture, the advancing globalization of human activity would be unthinkable without the development of science and technology. Man from the earliest times has made use of the regularity in natural events to carve out a living from them. Science as a systemic form of study developed in the 19th Century providing great advances in technology, in healthcare, in food production, understanding of nature – its working and its implications for man etc. ‘Science’ has an all pervading presence in our lives giving new meaning and definitions to our very existence. Science, by definition, “limits itself to what can be observed, measured and verified”.

A timeline of Science shows continuity as scientific knowledge has accumulated through time. It took just 100 years each to the revolutions in chemistry, biology and geology. Science as a field of study includes reasoning and logic that is deductively applied to gain knowledge. Thus it is important to understand the methods, processes, possibilities and limitations of the scientific method. Innovations and discoveries in Science have given us higher scope for development in agriculture and industry.

Man’s activities have given rise to developed societies with a higher degree of comfort and standard of living. Earth’s environment or Nature forms the very basis of our existence where we are directly and indirectly dependent on this Earth for our survival. Numerous changes are taking place in the world environment as well as our immediate environments at a fast pace. This in turn affects the health and social wellbeing of human beings. Issues of Global Warming, Climate change, Biodiversity degradation, Loss of Habitats, etc., have compounded to man’s problems.

The urgency to take action and adaptation is highlighted by projections from the three reports produced by the IPCC in 2007. This report predicts that with a temperature rise of 1-2.5 degrees C there could be serious effects on crop yields in tropical areas, spread of higher number of vectors even in areas that were earlier not suited to them. Millions of people could be at greater risk due to water stress. Closer home with the Himalayan glaciers receding, population of the plains will be greatly affected in turn the economy of the country and livelihoods of millions of people will be at stake.

There is greater evidence now to suggest that global warming is mostly due to man-made emissions of greenhouse gases. Human beings have been greatly adapting to the variable climate around them for centuries. World wide local climate variability can influence people’s decisions with consequences for their social, economic and personal conditions, and effects on their lives and livelihoods. The effects of climate change imply that the local climate variability that people have previously experienced and have adapted to is changing and changing at a greater speed. Most of the above stated problems are anthropogenic in nature and call for a vigilant society in order to preserve the balance of nature in turn saving the human species.

There is an urgent need for concerted action involving various stakeholders in society for conservation of our resources. Students form the backbone of any society as they are the citizens of tomorrow. Therefore, there is a need to identify and nurture the creative potential in every student for a brighter and stronger tomorrow. Students have higher degree of understanding and grasping power, if this is used in a positive manner there can be great benefits to society. Along with the traditional subjects a holistic education on the various issues of environment and their consequences would result in a well-armed generation to spearhead a movement for the conservation of Earth’s finite resources.

Objectives:

This is a unique programme devised for promoting a sense of responsibility and understanding about the ‘PLANET EARTH’ among young students. The aims of the programme are:

To promote ‘Environmental Literacy’ among students and youths on issues of concern to society
To enable students to understand the concepts of conservation and environment protection in view of their local settings and promote a spirit of enquiry among students
To enhance environmental activities while popularizing ‘Scientific Method’ in schools with a scientific spirit
To create an interface/platform between students of different ages and scientists for interaction and free flow of ideas
To bring together leading personalities in the field of science education and communication to discuss and bring forward solutions for problems of the day
To publish papers, journals and transactions on the proceedings, etc
Target Groups:

The primary target groups would consist of:

Students – Students are the citizens of tomorrow and they are the most effective and easily communicable group.
Teachers – Teachers are links/mediums of communication with the students.
Scientists and Experts – They provide the background of our activities providing us with the requisite scientific expertise and guidance on topics and issues of concern.
Media – Involvement of media is important for the successful dissemination of the programme to the general public at large.
Thematic Focus:

An everlasting image of a green neighbourhood remains in the mind’s eye of every urbanite. There is a need to create ‘Science and Environmental Literacy’ among the population in general. The focal theme of the programme would be ‘Environmental Literacy’. This would include:

Water Dynamics – This would focus on awareness generation on conservation methods, better means of water storage, efficiency in water use, etc. through concepts of Water Harvesting, Wetland Conservation, Water Cycle, Effects of pollution, etc.
Biodiversity Conservation – Biodiversity includes the variety in plant and animal life. Knowledge on the same and conservation of the variety of the flora and fauna as well as the agro-biodiversity to meet our requirements in food would also be the focus.
Carbon Cycle – Understanding the changes taking place in our environment due to pollution and other manmade causes that have led to Global Warming, disease and displacement of people. To understand the concepts of carbon credits and carbon foot printing, etc.
Understanding the Local Environment – Every region has its specific weather patterns and biodiversity that is specific to that region only. For example, desert type or alpine type, riverine types, etc. What could be the possible methods that can be adopted for conservation in that particular area?
Activities Planned:

The following activities are planned during the Congress:

Eminent Scientists will be invited to deliver lectures during the Congress, which will also include contributory lectures, and keynote addresses, by well-known speakers.
Exhibition – An exhibition will be organized at the venue where school students will display their exhibits such as hand crafted materials, posters, recycled products, etc.
Poster Session – Poster competition will be held where students from different schools will be able to participate. This will give an opportunity to the students to hone their skills as well as present their creative ideas.
Demonstration – The students will be given an opportunity to present their skills by displaying models/designs on conservation methods that can be easily put to practice in daily life.
Implementing Agency:

Indian Environmental Society has been promoting and implementing Environmental Awareness Programmes since the early 1970’s. Environmental Education based on sound research work has been the centerpiece of its activities. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India has appointed IES as an ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Centre to disseminate information on Panchayati Raj and Environment. IES has also been appointed as a nodal agency for implementing the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) and NGC (National Green Corps) Programmes in India.

IES is also active in Biodiversity Conservation, Capacity Building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Solid Waste Management, Eco-technology, and Heritage Conservation. Environmental Education programs of IES aim at strengthening, both human and institutional capacity in nature conservation and environmental protection on a long term and enduring basis. The organization is meritoriously operating in different States of the Country under various environmental awareness and capacity building projects. IES has expertise from different fields and a country-wide network in implementing environmental programs in India.

The Society has vast experience of working with school children and propagating environmental consciousness among children in schools. IES has been conducting ‘Earth Day’ programmes since 2002 in collaboration with schools from Delhi. IES conducts Campaigns, Rallies and Training programmes with school students on various issues through out the year. The Society has successfully trained people on methods on Solid Waste Management, Water Quality Monitoring, Recycling of Marble Waste Slurry, etc.

Indian Environmental Society keeping the above in perspective proposes to organize the “International School Science Congress” during October 6th-8th, 2008 at Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi. New Delhi. The Society has clear objectives to conduct this programme with maximum involvement from schools and students. We plan to provide a platform for the students to interact with eminent scientists for the protection of Planet Earth.

Registration Details

The registration for the congress is as below:

Indian Overseas
(1) Teachers Rs. 2000/- USD 100

(2)
Students Rs. 1000/- USD 50
(3) NGO’s and General Registration Rs. 2500/- USD 125


The registration fees include the participation at the congress, background documents, lunches and refreshment during the sessions and dinner on October 6, 2008.

Download Programme Details and Registration Form.

Travel and Accommodation:

The participants are requested to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. The organizers will be happy to help the participants in case informed well in advance.

Visa and Travel Formalities:

The overseas participants require valid passport and visa to attend the congress. In case the help is required in this matter, kindly inform the organizers.

Contact Details

Please feel free if there are any questions. You can reach to IES on phone numbers as below:

Dr. Deshbandhu, President
Indian Environmental Society
U- 112, Vidhata House (3rd floor)
Shakarpur, Vikas Marg, Delhi - 92
Tel: 011-22450749, 22046823/24
Fax: 011- 22523311
Email: deshbandhu@iesglobal.org or iesenro@vsnl.com