Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 05 May 2024
On April 29, 2024, the Wildlife Division Port Blair, under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, hosted the fourth Awareness Camp as part of the ‘Prakriti Shantiniketan – the Nature Classroom Programme’. This event saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 30 students and teachers of GDMS.
The primary objective of the camp was to familiarise students with the distinctive biological and cultural elements of the Nature Park and Interpretation Centre, Haddo. It aimed to introduce them to the park’s conservation and sustainability practices while instilling a deeper appreciation for biodiversity conservation. The immersive experience provided participants with educational workshops and guided nature walks led by seasoned staff members.
The camp comprised various activities including field visits, classroom sessions, drawing competitions, and quiz competitions. These engagements were designed to educate, inspire, and empower students to cultivate a sense of community and shared responsibility towards the environment.
A highlight of the camp was the exploration of different sections of the Nature Park and Interpretation Centre, Haddo, where participants gained insights into the significance of biodiversity, ongoing conservation efforts, and sustainable living practices.
Drawing and quiz competitions were also organized, focusing on the theme of wildlife ecosystems. These activities aimed to ignite participants’ passion for the natural world and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment by imparting practical knowledge and skills. The camp aimed to equip individuals with the tools to advocate for environmental conservation within their communities.
Following the competitions, prizes were distributed to the winners, and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to all participants. The winners of the drawing competition were B. Rushkesh Rao, Nia K. Shailu, Arpita Mondal, and T. Bharat. Meanwhile, Priya Mitra, P. Aditya, A. Shyam Sunder, and Anugrahit Tirkey emerged victorious in the quiz competition, securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, along with consolation prizes, respectively.
The event concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and motivated to contribute to environmental conservation efforts in their respective communities.