2025-04-08

“Learning nature-based solutions in an eco-friendly classroom is something different,” shared a student from C.N.I. TTI, Kottayam, after participating in Enjoy Learning, a one-day field and lab-based study program hosted by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES). Designed to deepen students’ understanding of biodiversity conservation and promote eco-conscious living, the program combined interactive sessions with hands-on experiences that fostered environmental awareness.

Dr. Punnen Kurian, Secretary of TIES, led an engaging session titled Eco-Friendly Lifestyle: Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Issues, aimed at empowering future educators. He stressed the importance of adopting environmentally responsible habits and underscored the urgency of ecosystem conservation in the face of growing anthropogenic pressures. 

The session was followed by a nature walk through the TIES campus, where students encountered real-world examples of sustainable practices and eco-friendly architectural design. The walk also highlighted the importance of native species in maintaining ecological balance. During the trail, Mr. Sarath Babu N. B., Nature Education Officer, introduced students to apiculture and aquaculture, elaborating on their ecological and economic benefits.

Students also took part in practical lab activities guided by Ms. Anju Ajikumar, Laboratory Manager, who demonstrated water quality analysis techniques and the use of basic scientific instruments.

The day concluded with a guided building tour led by Ms. Anoopa Mathews, PRO of TIES. Students explored the institute’s eco-friendly, low-cost, and energy-efficient infrastructure and were introduced to home composting methods—providing practical tools for implementing sustainable practices in everyday life. The participants were also given specific topic to as assignment to evaluate their understanding on various areas like biodiversity, eco-friendly architecture and biowaste management techniques. 

The training was coordinated by Ms. Saumya Thomas, Teacher Educator at C.N.I. TTI, in collaboration with Mr. Jijomon P. P., Ms. Abhirami K. P., and Ms. Gopika from TIES. A total of 20 students participated in the program.