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Travel to Bangalore, shop at Majestic or Commercial Street, eat at MacDonald’s…. A lot of money spent… but no good memories to last forever…. Now think about responsible travel to a naturally scenic place…. experiences of forest trekking…drinking water from the springs…. sighting wildlife in its natural habitat…. memories which last forever and thrilling experiences to share with family and friends….
Yes, we are talking about Nature Camps which are an integral part of Eco-tourism. Mass Tourism has given way to Eco-tourism and this is very important for the sustainability of tourism activities and the tourism destination itself. Nature Camps help people to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of Eco-tourism. They help one to realise and enjoy the gentle touch of raindrops, the moistening mist, gentleness of the cool flowing water, freshness of the air within a forest, chirping of birds, sighting of wild animals in their natural habitat, beauty of wild flowers, etc.
Environmental Education is gaining a prime position everywhere as the need of the hour, driven by the various environmental issues that we see around us. The recent order by the Supreme Court emphasises the need to impart awareness about our surroundings, environment and natural resources among our children and youth as they are the ‘policy and decision makers of tomorrow’. The younger generation must be made aware about our dwindling natural resources and the challenges ahead. Youngsters should be motivated to work for nature conservation and environmental protection.
Nature Camping has been recognised as a key environmental education activity the world over, attracting people from all sections and age groups. The role of Nature Camps as conceived is that of a catalyst intended to arouse interest in nature, leading to generation of awareness and concern. Nature camping a unique approach in environment education involving learning through experience, providing scope for exploration, expression and adventure – the basic attributes which appeal to students, thereby resulting in developing their interest in nature – the first step towards creating awareness.
The main objective of nature camping is to feel, know and enjoy nature firsthand. The camper experiences the beauty, uniqueness, fragility and the soothing power of Mother Nature using his/her own senses, leading to a greater understanding of the real process that supports the living planet for its existence. The camper understands the values and services of nature and recognises its role in his/her own life. The concern for Mother Nature is deeply entrenched in the camper’s mind, reflected in an attitudinal change and finally put into action through a change in lifestyle. This is the ultimate result expected from nature camp participation.
A Nature Camp site is decided on the basis of various factors like easy accessibility, time availability, budget, etc., but the most important factor is the participants’ interest. The camp can be in proximity to various ecosystems like Forests, Wetlands, High Ranges, Bird Sanctuaries, etc., each an entirely different experience. Ideally, the number of participants in a single camp should not exceed 30. When organising a Nature Camp with Forests and Wildlife as the theme, it is necessary to ensure the involvement of local stakeholders like the Forest Department, Vana Samrakshana Samithy (VSS) and Eco-Development Committee (EDC) members, etc., for various support activities like guides for trekking programmes, preparation of food, etc.
Before deciding and finalising the dates, participants should be introduced to the camp site and nature camping programme as a whole. They should be given general guidelines and information on what to expect, packing light, what to what not to carry, risks involved, general rules to observe, etc.
The usual events included in the Nature Camp are: introductory session, field trips, ecosystem interpretation, ‘feel nature’ and evaluation. The field trips include observation of physical as well as biological composition of the camping area. Ecosystem interpretation is one step ahead of observation. It is the process of understanding the functional role of each unit, its values and services, threats faced and its conservation. “Feel Nature” is the process of experiencing and enjoying the nature as it is, like meditation during dawn, bathing in streams, etc. Services of a field expert are essential for all these activities. The senses are to be kept open and sharp for wildlife sightings and precautions should be taken during photography. Other activities could include camp fires, entertainment programmes, team work, games, socio-economic surveys of forest dependents, observation of tribal life, etc.
Strict rules and regulations have to be adhered to. The ethics of Nature Conservation and Environmental Protection should be firmly rooted in the minds of the participants throughout the duration of the camp. The camping programme should be regarded as an educational process rather than a sightseeing tour or leisure trip. Keeping noise level to the minimum and using camouflaged clothes or avoiding brightly colored clothes during the field trip is must for better results and personal safety. One should avoid perfumes, deodorants, chewing gum, mints and other aromatic stuff as unfamiliar smells, odours or sounds may invite mishaps in the forest. Participants should cooperate with the field staff in the camp.
Proper nature camping programmes can create considerable attitudinal changes in young minds. Conveyed the proper message in right way has transformed several youngsters into nature lovers, ready to work for conservation.
The Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department organises Nature Camps at Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks free of cost. WWF-India, Kerala State Office also is organising Nature Camps for school and college students, WWF-India subscribers, the general public and corporates in a very professional manner.
Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese is State Director and Mr. A.K. Sivakumar is Education Officer of WWF-India, Kerala State Office
E-mail: wwf_klso@sancharnet.in/
Mobile: 94473 86978
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