EVENT: TRAINING CAMP EMPOWERS SUNDARBANS YOUTH WITH ECO-TOURISM SKILLS

EVENT: TRAINING CAMP EMPOWERS SUNDARBANS YOUTH WITH ECO-TOURISM SKILLS

TTT NEWS NETWORK

JOYGOPALPUR | 24 SEPTEMBER 2026

A free three-day capacity-building training camp focused on sustainable livelihoods through mangrove eco-friendly tourism was successfully conducted here recently. Organized by the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) under the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), the initiative received financial backing from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

The residential camp, which ran from Friday to Sunday, drew 22 selected students from various parts of the ecologically fragile Sundarbans region. The primary objective of the program was to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth while fostering a strong framework for biodiversity conservation.

Throughout the session, a distinguished panel of experts trained the participants. Prominent scientists and scholars, including Dr. K. Karthikeyan, Dr. J. Jayanti, Dr. Jeevan Singh Jalan, and Dr. Somen Gantait from the Botanical Survey of India, shared critical insights. They were joined by academic experts Dr. Deblina Debnath, Dr. Neera Sen Sarkar from Kalyani University, Professor Mir Abdul Safiq, HoD of Tourism department of  Burdwan University representatives, and Dr. Anirban Roy from the West Bengal Biodiversity Board.

The comprehensive curriculum educated students on the environmental significance of the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. Interactive modules covered practical tour-guiding skills, hospitality management, mangrove plant identification, and biodiversity conservation. Program Officer Professor Mir Abdul Shafiq and EIACP Information Officer Shri Tapas Chakraborty also guided the students on how to leverage local resources to create eco-friendly business models.

To practicalise the classroom learning, a field trip to the riverine areas of the Sundarbans was organized on the second day. This hands-on session allowed students to witness conservation challenges firsthand and practice guiding techniques in real-world scenarios.

The training camp concluded with an evaluation and a formal certificate distribution ceremony for all 22 participants. Speaking on the occasion, Prafulla Halder, President of the Basanti Biodiversity Division, emphasized the role of local communities in protecting the delta. Dr. Somen Gantait, Program Officer of EIACP, BSI, reiterated the department’s commitment to empowering the region’s youth to become active custodians of their unique natural heritage.