SRINAGAR: Vice Chancellor, Sheri- Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST) Professor Nazeer Ahmed said that environmental education is a dividend to save the natural heritage of Kashmir.
The V-C expressed these views in a two-day workshop on “Leadership Development”, organized by Directorate of School Education in collaboration with WWF-India at EDI Pampore.
Launching “EK Prithvi Programme” on the occasion, the V-C announced that SKUAST shall adopt one school in each district to develop Herbal gardens through Krishi Vigyan Kender.
Speaking on the occasion, Director School Education Kashmir G N Itoo said that herbal garden scheme must evolve as a holistic concept so as to develop understanding among students to make them nature-friendly and develop leadership qualities for nature conservation.
Expressing her views, Director Environmental Education, WWF –India, Dr Radhika Suri said that schools are the best institutions where values for the appreciation and protection of nature can be inculcated among young generation.
Team Leader Western Himalayan Landscape (WWF-India) Dr Pankaj Chandan stressed upon the need and importance for developing leadership skills among students and faculty to act as ambassadors of environmental conservation.
Guest of Honour on the occasion, Prof. A.H. Wani, Head of the Department Botany, University of Kashmir, called for exploring all aspects of the environment to address the environmental issues in a holistic manner. Extending his support for the development of Herbal Garden Scheme in schools, he invited the students to visit Botanical Garden of their Department for their broader conceptualization of the techniques required for the promotion of herbal gardens.
The workshop was attended by all Chief Education Officers, Principals of DIETs, Nodal Principals of Higher Secondary Schools, Coordinators and Curators of Herbal Garden Scheme.
