The Post Tbilisi+30 Study-Tour was in November 2007.

Sustainability in the Himalayan Foothills

Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2007

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• Visit a spectacular Himalayan region to explore its rich ecosystems, colorful inhabitants and traditional lifestyles
• Gain unique access to villagers, schools, non-profits, & community leaders
• Learn about award-winning community-based EE for Sustainability programs

 
India’s Himalayan region is world-renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and vibrant inhabitants. Threats to the area’s natural resources and colorful way of life are many: population growth, including the in-migration of affluent city-dwellers seeking attractive vacation spots; abuse of the land with resulting loss of native vegetation and soil erosion; draw-down of aquifers; and impacts of global warming including shrinking glaciers.

NAAEE’s host, the Uttarakhand Environmental Education Center (UEEC), has worked with community groups, villagers, and schools throughout the small state of Uttarakhand (formerly called Uttaranchal) for 20 years to support them in achieving social and environmental sustainability by creating a village-up approach of development. This study-tour will engage you and other inquisitive environmental educators in

• discovering a delightful part of the world and its people
• experiencing the varied components of award-winning EE for Sustainability programs,
• learning about the successes and challenges of UEEC and their partners, and
• enabling you to share your suggestions for the future as you consider lessons to be learned and applicability to your own work.

In early December, the weather is ideal with bright blue skies, cool daytime temperatures, and vistas dominated by the majestic snow-capped Himalayas.

Cost:  Participants pay for their own rail transportation to Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal from Delhi* (~$80.00 roundtrip).  The $650 (single or double) program fee includes all local transportation, field trips, seminars, and program materials plus meals, bottled water, and lodging. Please indicate in your email message your preference for a double room with 2 beds or single room; all rooms have private bath.

Itinerary

Each day will include a combination of field visits and interactions with local people, plus a seminar session with UEEC leaders and partners.

Day 1 (11-30-2007) – UEEC & Surroundings

Welcome and orientation. Visit a nearby village to become acquainted with traditional local lifestyles and resources on which everyone depends. Seminar: The local ecosystem plus the philosophy and approach that ground the work of the Uttarakhand Environmental Education Center (UEEC).

Day 2 (12-1-2007) – Challenges to Sustainability

Meet with a Women’s Group to learn about the challenges women are addressing, and participate in a morning pre-school session. Seminar: data regarding the population, demographics, economics and education of the people in this area and the Center’s programmatic elements for addressing specific needs.

Day 3 (12-2-2007)  – Binsar Sanctuary and a Hindu Ashram

Experience the biological diversity of a native forest preserve and a forest managed for economic productivity by the federal government. Have lunch at and tour an Ashram, grounded in Hindu philosophy and spirituality. The sustainability practices of this self-sufficient learning community inspired the UEEC School Program. Seminar: Introduction to the School Program and preview of teacher and student instructional materials.

Day 4 (12-3-2007) – School Program (grades 5–12)

Visit schools to see the program in action, and talk with teachers, students, and principals to learn their perspectives. Seminar: what program evaluations have shown, how they have influenced the program’s growth, current initiatives.

Day 5 (12-4-2007) – Multifaceted Components and Links

Meet with community workers/organizers to understand their important roles and with Youth Group leaders to gain a glimpse of the promise they bring for the future of the region. Seminar: A critical review and discussion of the essential features that ground the Center’s EE for Sustainability Programs, link together the parts, drive the work forward, and pose ongoing challenges—plus an examination of lessons worth applying in other settings.

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Possible Extension for $275: If you are interested in a three-day extension to Corbett National Park, located near the western border of Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal, please note that in your email and we will send additional details for your consideration. The Park contains the Ramganga River and a variety of grassland and forested habitats where wildlife abounds. In addition to elephants, monkeys, otters, deer, and crocodiles, numerous other species (50 mammals, 577 birds, and at least 25 reptiles) are found in this 515-square-mile national park, India’s first. 

* For those participating in the Tbilisi+30 Conference, November 29 will be the day to travel from Ahmedabad to Delhi (by plane or train) and on to Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal by train.

Read a recent report by Karen Hollweg on the Uttarakhand EE Centre (our host) to get her perspective on what awaits you on this unique trip.