Citizen Science programme on Climate Change, Biodiversity Awareness & Conservation in collaboration with Indian Institutes
Being a member of the IUCN-CEC – Commission on Education and Communication, Mr.Biswajit De had the support from reputed organizations both Nationally & Internationally for all of our Conservation Education Programmes to be undertaken from now onwards. The initial dialogues for a ‘Citizen Science Collaborative Programme’ were initiated during his recent visit to the National Conservation Training Center of the U.S.Fish & Wild Life Service in West Virginia where it was observed that there hasn’t been any collaboration or significant sharing of information regarding the wonderful work that the Institutions of India are doing, for conservation. The present scenario where the entire world is at stir for Climate Change and Environment Awareness, we thought of taking up this initiative and launch this programme, which not only would empower the students with the new generation Conservation Education Paradigms and ICT Tools, but will also give them an opportunity to share information, observation, data, and expressions.
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The way we have planned it:
1) It is a project that is entirely supported by WildRoots with some non-monetary help from some of our patrons and friends.
2) We invite Educational Institutions to be a part of it by mobilizing One Teacher Leader, preferably involved with Biology - Botany, Zoology or Geography/Social Sciences and 25 selected students, having different skills and talents. People might ask why we are giving importance to different skills and talent. Well, the Citizen Science Programme is also a wonderful opportunity of expression, where students can express themselves through the deliverables in whichever way they want. They can write, click pictures, draw, collect data, etc.
Wildroots India welcomes a very dynamic and enthusiastic team of teachers and students from Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata who have joined us for the Citizen Science Collaborative Programmes on Conservation!
#NatureForAll
Event Watch: Avian Survey at 'Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary', Narendrapur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. (October 13th, 2016)
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Students of Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata were involved in a one day Avian Survey and Nature Walk atthe CKBS, Narendrapur, Kolkata as a part of the Citizen Science Collaborative Project. They were able to spot and photograph 22 species of Birds in a 6 Hours Survey that was conducted. Learning the basics ofPhotography, recording of Data constituted the main chunk of the programme. With hands on opportunities of using Canon Cameras and Lenses, almost all of them handling DSLRs for the first time, the students were able to capture some nice shots too.
The students were also introduced to the use of ICT - Information & Communication Technology during the programme, where they have used Mobile Applications and E-Field Guides for the identification of the various species that they found at CKBS. The students observed the disturbances that were caused by the newly constructed Highway - Bypass right next to the Bird Sanctuary which is the main cause of decline in the number of birds that used to come to CKBS, particularly the migrants. Habitat Loss was also observed, as many surrounding water bodies are in the process of getting filled up for Real Estate development. The students are working on their reports now which will be shared on our website.
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Students of Shri Shikshayatan College share their experiences:
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My first survey at Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary , Narendrapur, Kolkata , India on 13th Nov'16 was indeed agreat experience I had till date. This was my first field work so there were many things to learn and observe. We have learnt to take some good shots , recording data and even practiced to make less noice in jungles so that we don't miss the beautiful view of innumerable birds that comes to this place. We have spotted 24 birds in 6 hours.We have noticed the level of habitat loss due to presence of highway on the right side of the field. Lastly I would like to thank two important people without which this wouldn't be possible. My teacher Dr.Jayati Das and Sir Biswajit De for guiding us throughout. I had the best people to work with. Enjoyed it to every bit. Thank You!
Sohini Mutt
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This was my first field work. Firstly i would like to thank my college Shri Shikshayatan and Wild Roots for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. It was a great experience to come in contact with nature and cruise through the various species of birds present here. I came to learn so much of the methods and techniques of a field work . And lastly a big thanks to my fellow team members who were along with me throughout the work Sohini Mutt, Stuti Das and Anshita Vijayvargiya.
T. Anumita Dayal
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This survey was our very first field trip as a part of the "Wild Roots" organisation. And I'm more than glad to say that it went off very well. From taking pictures of some really amazing bird species to knowing about the ecosystem present there, it was an overall wonderful experience. I would like to thank Biswajit Sir for guiding us throughout the trails and telling us about his experiences, which in a huge way have inspired us to work for our nature as much as possible. Last but not the least thank you guys, Anumita Dayal, Stuti Das and Sohini Mutt. You people were really amazing to work with, & we make a good team :) Also, I would like to thank my college Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata and my teachers for giving me this opportunity.
Anshita Vijayvargiya
Photo Documentation of the Programme
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