Environmental Education A Ready Reference for ISC XII A handy reference to the whole ISC syllabus of Environmental Education.
Misbah Ahmed
[email protected]
Unit 1- Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms, incl. their genetic diversity and the assemblage t hey form. Species Evenness/Equitability Evenness/Equitability is the no. of individuals of different species. •
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Direct Values Consumptive : Direct utilisation of forest products o Productive: Sale of forest products o Indirect Values Non-Consumptive: Benefits of tourism, research, protection of resources. o Social: M&M use of resources by affluent societies. o Ethical & Moral: morel right of every species to live; sacred groves etc. o Aesthetic: beauty in diversity. o Existence: idea of knowing that a species exists & hence we have to protect it. o o Option: potential of a species to provide economic benefit to humans in future.
Types of Bio-Diversity A. Species diversity : Variety of diff. types of living beings present in nature. B. Genetic diversity : Variety of genes within a species. C. Ecosystem Diversity: Assemblage & interaction of species living together & the physical environment present.
Bio-Diversity for sustenance of mankind Trophic Level: The position occupied by each organism in a food chain. Balance in nature (HOMEOSTATIS): • • •
Only six species in a chain. 10% of energy is passed from 1 level to another. Greater number of organisms at the top than at the bottom
Consequences of disturbing balance in nature in marine ecosystems OIOONHB • • • • • • •
Overfishing & waste dumping. Introduction & transfer of non-indigenous species. Off-Shore equipment damaging habitats. Oil-Spills causing pollutions Nuclear waste transportation is risky. Human activities like DREDGING & TRAWLING etc. damage habitat Bottom trawling causes sediment interference & benthic fauna disturbance.
BIODIVERSITY for sustenance of mankind AEEFFGHPRST •
Aesthetic pleasure Page 1 of 15
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Ecological Ethical reasons Fishery Food security Genetic Diversity Health & Healing Pollution Control Religious & Cultural reasons Survival Timber
Rauwolfia Cinchona Poppy Rosy periwinkle Penicillin Foxglove Bacterium Blowfly Larva Sparge
Hypertension Malaria Analgesic Anti-cancer Anti-Biotic Heart stimulant Anti-Biotic Wound Healer Leukaemia
Ecological Role & Economic potential of bio-diversity Role played by: Plants: Cycling of water & nutrients Food Production Climatic Stability Pollution Control Reduction of soil erosion Animals Cycling of water & nutrients Consumption Decomposition Reduction in natural calamities • • • • •
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Interdependence of different species
Predation: Complete killing. Competition: Symbiosis: relationship between two species •
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Mutualism: 50-50 profit. No Loss. Boxer Crab (Lybia Tesselata) carries a pair of anemones whose tentacles deter marauder while the anemone eats food leftover. Commensalism: 100& profit to one party. No Loss to other one. Crabs using gastropod shells to protect their bodies. Parasitism: Gain to one but loss to other.
A PHENOMENON IN WHICH TWO ORGANISMS WHICH ARE PHYLOGENETICALLY UNRELATED CO-EXIST OVER AN ENTIRE PERIOD OF TIME IS KNOWN AS PARASITISM. Page 2 of 15
Economic potential of biodiversity • • • • •
Food Medication Industry Tourism & recreation Marine producers
Loss of Biodiversity & conservation Causes/Human activities causing extinction & loss of biodiversity • • • • • • • • • • •
Deforestation Pollution Human settlements Indiscriminate hunting Introduction of exotic species Over-Exploitation of exotic resources International trade Highways Migratory route disturbance Lack of education Official lethargy in implementation of Wildlife Protection Act
Strategies for conservation All possible should be conserved Critical habitats should be protected Development of reserves International trade in wildlife should be regulated Pollution reduction Priority list protection to be provided Protection of economically important species Public awareness Unique Ecosystems should be protected
IN-SITU Conservation It involves conservation of species on their own habitat. Factors harmful to existence of species are eliminated. Advantages
Cheap & Convenient as only a supportive role is played Covers a large no. of unknown unknown organisms too Natural Growth provides for adaptation to calamities Best for long term protection Page 3 of 15
Disadvantages Requires large areas for conservation Protected areas are not always well maintained Tourism is permitted so interference occurs a little. Strategies/Areas
National Parks & sanctuaries Small & meant for 2 or 4 species o Well marked boundaries(not legislative) o Controlled biotic interference o Biosphere reserves Large protected o Legislated boundaries o Biotic interference only in outskirts o Buffer Zones Keeps 2 or more areas different from each other o Used for educational research o Protect the residential areas from natural disasters o
Selection of sites for IN-SITU IN -SITU conservation I. Overall species density II. Endemic species diversity III. Critical faunal analysis
EX-SITU Conservation It involves maintenance and breeding of endangered species under partially or wholly controlled conditions in areas like zoos, gardens, laboratories. Advantages
It gives longer life span & breeding activity since animals are constant human care Genetic technique scan be utilised on these species Species can be re-introduced in the wild
Disadvantages Turns out to be a quite costly affair. Not possible to maintain the favourable conditions always Technique adopted only for a few species Loss of genetic diversity due to inbreeding Strategies
Long-Term captive Breeding Used for species who have lost their habitat permanently o Only way to pre4serve species present in zoos etc. o Equus przewalskii, is regularly bred in captivity o Short-Term propagation & release Used when population declines due to some temporary setback in conditions o Animal Translocation & release Animal Reintroduction Page 4 of 15
Used to increase population somewhere else Involves rehabilitation o Advanced tech in service Chemical immobilisation and anaesthesia o Nutrition, maintenance & healthcare o Identification, data collection & IT o Advances in reproductive technology Establishment of botanical gardens & zoos Serve as repositories of threatened animals o Gene-Bank Promote broad utilisation of plant genetic resources. o o
Areas used for EX-SITU conservation c onservation Zoos Game farms Aquaria Arboreta Seed banks Botanical gardens Mitigating people & wildlife conflict
Fences or trenches around communities Building water holes around forests Providing foods for animal during drought Maintain a buffer zone between animal & human habitation Preventing human encroachment in forests Preventing poaching Involving local people in conservation
Unit 2- Environmental Management Environmental Management Aspects of Environmental Management •
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Technological Developing better tech to reduce pollution o Reduce usage & waste o Less use of conventional resources o Economic Environmental Resources Accounts o Getting to know the benefits of a project Know the cost of resource depletion, degradation & replenishing in monetary form Gets the right price for the resource, helps reduce pollution Extended Producer Responsibility Responsibility o Strategy designed to promote the integration of environmental costs associated with products throughout their lifecycle into the market price of the products. Page 5 of 15
Firms have to be financially & physically responsible for such products Take up responsibility themselves or extend to a third party For example, Nokia ©, which takes up its Ni-Cd batteries after their useful life is over. Tradable Discharge Permits
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Ethical o o o
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It is the application of ethics to environmental management Involves Inter and Intra Generational equity Gender equity
Social o
Due to uneven distribution of resources we must manage them carefully.
Legal Provisions for environmental management UNCED, Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
Climate Treaty (UNFCCC): Stabilize ozone depletion Biodiversity Treaty (UNCBD): Adoption of conservation tech Forest Agreement (Statement of agreement on forest principles): MCSD of forests Rio declaration: Guide future development & responsibilities responsibilities Agenda 21: Blueprint on how to make dev. ESE sustainable
Environmental laws in India
Environment Protection Act, 1986 EIA, 1994 Air PCP Act, 1981 Water PCP Act, 1974
Ozone depleting substances (R&C) Rules, 2000 Regulation of production & consumption of ODS Prohibition on IE to non-schedule VI countries Regulation on o Sale o Purchase o Use o Complete Prohibition on new ODS investments o IE or sale of products made with or containing ODS.
Recycled Plastics manufacture and usage rules, 1999 Thickness not less than 20 microns Carry bags of virgin or natural plastics to in white or black Recycling strictly according to BIS
Approaches for Environmental Management Organizations/Standards NAEB – National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board, 1992 Promotes, afforestation, ecological restoration, eco-development activities Evolve mechanisms for ecological restoration
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Restore through natural restoration the forest cover of the country Restore fuel wood, fodder & other NTFP Sponsor research to spread new tech Create general awareness & help foster people’s movement Co-ordinate & monitor the Action Plans for the purpose
ECOMARK, 1991
Salient features Cradle to grave approach Awarded to goods which meet the specified environmental criteria Aims Provide an incentive for manufacturers to reduce adverse environmental impact Reward genuine initiatives to reduce adverse environmental impact Assist consumers to become environmentally responsible Encourage citizens to purchase products having less impact o f the environment Ultimately to improve the quality of
NRCD – National River Conservation Directorate
Interception & diversion of works to capture raw sewage. STP to treat diverted sewage Low cost Sanitation works to prevent open defecation Electric crematoria to conserve use of water River Front Development works such as improvement of water baths.
NAPCD – National Action Programme to combat Desertification
Community based approach to development Activities to improve the quality of life of local communities Awareness raising Drought management and preparedness R&D initiatives Strengthening self-governance
ENVIS - Environmental Information System, 1982
Focuses on providing Info to decision makers, policy makers, etc. Decentralised with a network of Distributed Subject Oriented Centres. Long-Term Objectives Build up a repository in E.Sc and Engineering o Gear up the modern tech of acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval of information o Support and promote R&D&I in environmental tech. o Short-term Objectives promote national & international cooperation & exchange of information o PSA education & personnel training programmes o Promote exchange of info between developing countries o Disseminate capabilities o
NRA - National Resource Accounting
Broader form of income & welfare accounting Highlights important aspects such as environmental concerns Links environmental activities to economic ones Satellite account designed on principles of SNA
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LCA - Life Cycle Assessment or ECO-BALANCE E CO-BALANCE Deals with interaction between product & environment Systematically analyses describes all flows to & from nature 2 Steps involved: Inventory Step: Describe which emissions will occur & which RM’s are used. o Impact Assessment Step: Assess the impacts of these emissions & RM’s are. o
FSI, BSI, ZSI not dealt with.
Sustainable Development Sustainable Development The ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising on the needs of the future generations is sustainable development. Consumption pattern to have: 1. Sustainable 2. Strengthening 3. Shared 4. Socially responsible Major Obstacles towards Sustainable development Lack of finance Absence of participation of locals Dependence of governance Widespread politically motivated subsidies
Support Base for Sustainable Development Barefoot College – SWRC – Social Work & Research Centre 5 Feb, 1992 in Tilonia Result of practical experience, started groundwater survey & health & education programme Concentrated on: Groundwater Education Medical care Women Agricultural extension Rural Animal husbandry Communication
Deccan development Society, NGO in AP
Promotes self-sustenance in rural communities Seed banks o Grameen bank Model o Page 8 of 15
Cultivation of millets Strategy to evolve a self-sufficient farm if 5 persons Green School in Manchar Village Community gene fund progamme Conc. On poor, groups and women. Demo various functions of nature o
Focus on technical education in India Steps taken CBWE, 1958 is working in +ve direction. o 4300 ITI’s in India o Vocational Education has ben inbtegrated in school level o Problems Associated ITI’s need restructuring of courses at a faster rate o Ibndustry Institute inrteraction is weak o Modification according to needs of manpower o
Role-Play in sustainable development Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) 1. Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad
Developing programmes & materials to increase awareness NatEnvEduProgforSchools NEEPS Facilitated NatEnvEduProgforSchools EE in schools, colleges, urban initiatives Industry initiatives
2. Uttrakhand Seva Nidhi, Almora ATM to various smaller organizations Emphasis on practical edu. activities & provide ability to find own solutions Act as a nodal agency to NGO’s Encourages active community participation
3. CPR Environment Education centre, Chennai
Nodal Agency for EOSE scheme in 1993, 400 NGO’s in TN,KA,OR,PO Resource centre for production of local specific materials Conducting specific innovative programmes Organizing school nurseries etc.
4. The Energy Research institute Global Vision, Local Focus Documentation & info dissemination facilities Research activities Formatting national level strategies
5. Other International Organizations ( Not Important) a. b. c. d. e.
UNDP UNEP WCMC IUCN WRI
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Role of government in helping NGO’s in sustainable development 1. Establish dialogue b’ween Govt. and NGO’s which serves to: a. Consider the rights & responsibilities of NGO’s b. Channel integrated inputs to NGO’s c. Facilitate NGO co ordination 2. Encourage partnership & dialogue b’ween NGO & local authorities 3. Involve NGO’s in national mechanism 4. Take into account the finding of NGO’s 5. Review govt. education systems to find ways t o spread public awareness through NGO’s 6. Make available to NGO’s the data necessary
NGO’s in India 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Dasholi gram Swarajya Sangh, Gopeshwar, chameli, UP, 1964, Forest Conservation, Chipko Mvmt. Development Alternatives, Delhi, 1983, MCSD Friends of the Doon, 1983, afforestation, stop mining, EVED Ladakh Ecology Development group, 1983, Leh, Kargil, MCSD, Village Outreach Project, plastic ban Srishti, 1988, Delhi, MCSD, bird count, Delhi Ridge Vanarai, Pune, 1992, chulhas, GGas plants, MH,GJ,RJ also Konkan region activities
Unit 4 – Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture is any kind of farming technique that: Conserving water & energy Limiting the use of synthetic pesticides & fertilizers Helps protect the environment • • •
Goals of sustainable agricukture Environmental health Economic profitability Social & economic profitatblity • • •
Techniques of sustainable agriculture Crop rotation Integrated pest management No-tillage farming • • •
Basis of sustainable agriculture Current agricultural achievements High yield approach Generate profits without undermining the resources • • •
Use of cover crops Holding soil & nutrients in place Conserving soil & dead moisture with mowed or mulches Increasing water holding capacity & filtration rate Fixing of nitrogen by legumes • • • •
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Threats to sustainable agriculture Fallen commodity prices Bureaucratic nature of policy framework sustainable agriculture hindering policies too much transition costs to sustainable agriculture • • • •
Sustainable agriculture in India National Project on development & use of bio fertilizers PDS of bio fertilizers Developing standards of bio fertilizers & their QC Releasing of grants for setting up of bio fertilizers units Training & publicity Factors Facilitating growth of sustainable agriculture 1. Market 2. Premium 3. Range 4. Awareness 5. Labour 6. Poverty 7. NGO’s 8. Private companies 9. Trade concentration 10. Govt. attn.
Green Revolution It is the term used to describe the revolution to significantly increase crop productivity & diversity
Elements of Sustainable Agriculture 1. Increase in crop area 2. Double Cropping on existing land 3. Using seeds with superior genetics Impacts of Sustainable agriculture 1. Drain of vital nutrients due to soil eating crops 2. Use of chemical fertilizers 3. Soil fertility decrease 4. Soil deficiency & diseases 5. Loss of genetic diversity 6. Shift in cropping pattern 7. Intensive irrigation 8. Desertification 9. Salinization 10. Use of pesticides a. Birth-defect , feto-toxic defect, genetic changes, nerve disorders b. Numbness, heart rate changes, muscle weakness, c. Endocrine disruptors, reproductive failure. 11. Use of DDT a. Concentrates in body Page 11 of 15
b. Toxic to embryo & egg shells c. Highly toxic to aquatic life d. Carcinogen
Soil management Soil: 1. Sustains crop productivity 2. Maintains environmental quality 3. Provide for plant, animal, and env health Soil Health refers to ability to perform these functions SOM affects: 1. Infiltration rate 2. Bulk density 3. Aggregate stability 4. Cation exchange stability 5. Biological activity Soil management techniques 1. Tillage 2. Organic matter maintenance a. Crop rotation b. Cover cropping 3. Nutrient supply 4. Soil Pollution control 5. Pesticide residues 6. Soil acidity adjustment 7. Mechanical control of erosion i. Minimize summer fallow ii. Reduce tillage iii. Adopt permanent conservation measures iv. Management 1. Pesticides 2. Fertilizers 3. Irrigation 4. Grass cover 5. Crop residues 6. Wind barriers like SHELTERBELTS
Irrigation Systems The artificial watering of land to sustain plant growth is Irrigation
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Types of systems 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Flood for close grown crops like wheat where water is abundant Basin for orchards Sprinkle for less water, better control, circular flooding Furrow for crops grown in rows where flooding can’t be done Drip trickle uses tubes to deliver till plants
Standalone points/definitions Benefits of bio fertilizers 1. Control plants insects & weeds 2. Ensure human & environment safety 3. Provide IPM where pesticides can’t be used due to resistance 4. No toxic residues 5. Generally harmless to beneficial insects Limitations of bio fertilizers 1. Non target specific 2. Effective only in some soils 3. Slow & hence cause economic loss 4. Not effective against all pests 5. Applied only when ETL 6. Have to be applied at the right time & place Advantages of mixed cropping 1. Provides food other than cash for animals 2. Increase in yield due to complementary effect of other crop 3. Legumes aid fertility 4. Variety reduces chances of pests occurring 5. Risk bearing capacity increases Advantages of Crop-Rotation 1. Reduced insect & disease problems 2. Residual herbicide carrier beneficial 3. Soil fertility increasers 4. Soil tilth & aggregate fertility 5. Phytotoxic effect reduces Problems in propagating bio-fertilizers 1. Organised industrial backup 2. Powerful agricultural extension services 3. Active research support 4. Awareness 5. Appreciation of bio fertilizers 6. Trained personnel 7. Shelf life period 8. Quick Delivery System 9. Inefficient QC system Page 13 of 15
Advantages of tissue culture 1. Production of exact replicas 2. Quick production of mature plants 3. Production of plants without seeds 4. Regeneration of GMO plants 5. Greatly reduced chances of diseases while transportation 6. From seeds which can’t germinate Applications of tissue culture 1. Micro propagation to produce large no. in less time. USED for Conservation of rare/endangered 2. Breeders used cells for screening 3. Large scale production for pharmacies 4. Cross distantly related species 5. Tissue for transformation follows by short testing
Unofficial Acronyms Used
OPAC: Organically produced agricultural crops PCP: Prevention & control of pollution ATM: Assistance training and monitoring MCSD: management Conservation & Sustainable development
Acronyms Acron yms & Abbreviations WRI: World Resources Institute UNEP: United Nations Environment Programme, 1992 NTFP: Non-Timber Forest Products WWF: World wildlife fund OECD: organisation for Environmental Development UNCED: United Nations Conference on environment & development UNFCCC: United Nations framework convention on climate change. UNCBD: United Nations Convention on biological diversity EPR: Extended Producer Responsibility ERA: Environmental Resources Accounts EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment MoEF: Ministry of environment & forests PIL: Public Interest Litigation NET: National Environment Tribunal BIS: bureau of Indian standards CPCB: Central pollution control board ADI: accepted daily intake MPI: maximum permissible intake PS: Primary/Product standards EDS: Emission & discharge Standards EU: European Union NAEB: national afforestation eco development board Page 14 of 15
NRCD: national river conservation directorate UNCCD: UN convention to combat desertification CNAD: comprehensive national action programme NGC: national green corps NEAC: National environment awareness campaign FSI: forest, botanical, zoological survey NRA: national resource accounting SNA: system of national accounting LCA: life cycle assessment DDS: Deccan development society SWRC: Social work & research centre BC: barefoot college CBWE: central board of workers education HYV: High yielding variety DDT: IRRi: International rice research institute EDC: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ETL: Economic threshold level
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