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The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has received a grant of more than Rs 17 lakh from the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST). The grant has been provided under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Through this initiative, the university will conduct a three-month specialised training programme titled ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’.
The main objective of the programme is to prepare youth for employment and self-employment opportunities related to Nature Conservation, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism, and Green Entrepreneurship. A total of 20 participants will be included in the programme. The training will focus on classroom learning along with practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-based skill development.
Focus on Employment-Oriented Training
The GSDP was launched by the government with the objective of developing a skilled workforce for the environment, forest and wildlife sectors. Its aim is to provide youth with green skills that can connect them with employment and self-employment opportunities. The programme was initially launched on a pilot basis in 2017 and was later expanded across the country.
According to Chandigarh University, the proposed three-month training will comprise around 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will receive training in Biodiversity Assessment, identification of Flora and Fauna, Wildlife and Bird Observation, Nature Interpretation, Ecosystem Understanding, Sustainable Tourism Planning, Ecotourism Operations, Hospitality, Environmental Monitoring, Digital Marketing, Business Planning and Entrepreneurship.
Field Visits to Provide Real-World Experience
A major part of the programme will focus on field-based learning. Participants are proposed to visit locations such as the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. This will provide students with an opportunity to understand Conservation, Visitor Management, Nature Interpretation and Local Livelihood Models at actual locations.
According to Prof. (Dr.) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences and Principal Investigator of the programme, the training will combine scientific knowledge with practical skills related to industry and field-based activities. Participants will gain an understanding of various work areas related to Nature Guiding, Ecotourism Operations, Wildlife and Birding Activities, and Conservation.
Focus on Placement Along with Skill Development
Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management said that the approved programme has set a target of gainful placement for 50 per cent of the trained candidates. Potential career areas include Nature Guiding, Ecotourism, Rural Tourism, Homestay Management, Hospitality, Destination Interpretation and Nature-Based Entrepreneurship.
Through this training, the Departments of Biosciences and Tourism and Hospitality Management at Chandigarh University will jointly develop an interdisciplinary learning model. It will combine Ecological Knowledge with Biodiversity Documentation, Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality, Destination Management and Enterprise Development.
Promoting Green Skills and Nature-Based Careers in Punjab
The initiative comes at a time when the government is focusing on linking Nature Conservation and Green Skills with employment. According to MoEF&CC, the GSDP focuses on hands-on training and the development of employment-oriented skills. In recent years, Nature Guide and other environment-based training modules have also been developed.
This programme at Chandigarh University is expected to create trained human resources at the local level for Nature Conservation, Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism in Punjab. At the same time, emphasis will also be placed on connecting students with field exposure, employment and Green Entrepreneurship opportunities.
