resource materials and manpower for the training of the teachers. Monitoring of the programmes is done jointly by CEE and SSA. The partnership with RCE Guwahati was a key input to the programme. RCE Guwahati partners help in translating the programme guide booklet and publicity posters into Assamese, the local language, which enables the easier transmission of key messages of the programmes. There are 16 grassroot NGOs serving as implementing partners of the Paryavaran Mitra programme at the district or sub-district levels. These NGOs help orient the teachers, bring in additional schools, and monitor the schools. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) (Schools) is a network of rural schools. There is one JNV in each district. The orientation of the principals of JNV was organized by the JNV Authority and the Paryavaran Mitra team provided manpower for the orientation. Figure 3. Partnership model of Paryavaran Mitra programme in Assam. The above diagram explains how the programme was planned strategically for government and private schools. While CEE occupied a central role in coordinating the entire programme, RCE Guwahati played a key role in trans-adapting the materials, and handholding the NGOs. The red arrows in the diagram indicate the monetary flow and this input was very critical. The blue arrows indicate technical support at various levels. Planning and Role Clarity A considerable time was invested in planning for the programme. After establishing partnerships, modules were developed and trans-adapted. Roles were divided for training of Master Trainers and teachers among CEE, ASTEC and SSA. Activities in Saturday Club schools were facilitated by SSA. Figure 4. Activity flow of the programme. Add-on Programmes Since the programme has a national dimension, it needs local specificity. Since the focus of the programme in Assam is biodiversity conservation, additional components for conservation focused on local flagship species. The tiger is the national animal of India and the highest density of tigers is found in Kaziranga National Park, which is located in Assam. Hence, a programme has been added to 100 pilot Paryavaran Mitra schools around tiger habitats. In addition, the Ganges River Dolphin has been declared as the national aquatic animal of India and it also happens to be the state aquatic animal of Assam. Thus, a pilot for dolphin conservation has been added to 100 schools around dolphin habitats. The Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape found in the Indian Sub-continent and as such, a programme on its conservation has been added to 130 Paryavaran Mitra Schools. Another programme on water and sanitation is being added for the development of 20 schools into model water sanitation schools. Newsletter and Website A fortnightly e-newsletter is published and circulated by the Secretariat to the list-serve for sharing/dissemination of information. The project website has dedicated pages for each state. Schools are given a login ID and password. The website acts as a link for all schools. Activities School activities include plantation drives, environmental pledges, wall paintings, wall magazines, model making, exhibitions, popular talks, mini dramas, quiz competitions, rallies, signature campaigns, slide shows, environmental movie shows, environmental games, and debates, among others. ENCOURAGING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES FOR BIODIVERSITY 91
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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