2 forest certificate courses for youngsters this month
The Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) is going to organise certificate courses under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) at Shimla this month which are sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.
These two courses are on Apiculturist (Wild Bee) NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Produce) (240 hours) and Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide (420 hours).
Dr Suresh C Attri, Joint Member Secretary, HIMCOSTE, said the Government of India was encouraging youth through these training programmes, focusing on skill development in guiding and hospitality, enhancing interpretation and visitor engagement abilities and promoting conservation awareness by involving tourists in environmental activities. “This training programme includes free lodging and boarding,” he added. He said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had already focused on green Himachal initiatives. The CM also appreciated the environmental activities being conducted by HIMCOSTE to train youth of the state in green skills.
Promoting green skills
The objective of training in such environment programmes will be enhancement of green skills among youths and other stakeholders, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation of the state...These courses are designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue sustainable livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities.
— Dr Suresh C Attri, Joint Member Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment
He said the objective of training in such environment programmes would be enhancement of green skills among youths and other stakeholders, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation of the state. “These courses are designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue sustainable livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities,” said Attri.
DC Rana, Member Secretary, HIMCOSTE, said in addition to such training courses on environment conservation, popular lecture series on Environment through national-level experts were also being conducted by HIMCOSTE in different districts of the state.
“The training covers practical beekeeping techniques, their environmental and business benefits, sustainable tourism principles and the impact of ecotourism on local communities. This knowledge can provide supplementary income through the sale of honey, beeswax, royal jelly and other hive products. Additionally, the second course on Nature Conservator-cum-ecotourism Guide (420 hours) introduces students to how tourism can contribute to environmental preservation and offer economic incentives for local communities to protect their natural resources rather than exploit them.” He further said that the training provides various platforms for youth to value and showcase indigenous lifestyles, traditions and knowledge. “Ecotourism supports the preservation of local cultures by creating homestays, lodges and tourist guides, thereby promoting cultural heritage and sustainable development. The training will offer hands-on, field-based learning to provide participants with real-world skills. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification, enhancing their employability in the green sector,” he said.
