CU Researchers Secure ₹17 Lakh Grant for Ecotourism Training
Chandigarh University secures a Rs 17 lakh grant to train experts in nature conservation and ecotourism through a specialized three-month programme.
In a significant boost to environmental education and sustainable tourism, the Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant exceeding ₹17 lakhs. The funding, provided by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), is dedicated to launching a specialized three-month training programme titled 'Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide'.
The initiative falls under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. It aims to bridge the gap between environmental preservation and economic opportunity by building a skilled workforce capable of handling nature conservation, responsible tourism, and green entrepreneurship.
A Hands-On Approach to Green Skills
Unlike traditional academic courses, this programme is designed with a heavy emphasis on practical application. According to Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University and the Principal Investigator, the curriculum will be split between theory and practice, with approximately 60–65 per cent of the course dedicated to practical and skill-based learning.
The training will cover a vast array of essential skills, including:
- Biodiversity assessment and identification of flora and fauna
- Wildlife and bird observation and nature interpretation
- Ecosystem understanding and environmental monitoring
- Sustainable tourism planning and ecotourism operations
- Hospitality, digital marketing, and business planning
Field Exposure Across Punjab's Ecological Landmarks
To ensure trainees understand how conservation integrates with local livelihoods, the programme includes extensive field visits. Participants will travel to several ecologically significant locations to witness real-world visitor management and conservation efforts. Planned sites include:
- Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandigarh Biodiversity Park
- Chhatbir Zoological Park and Ropar Wetland
- Morni Hills and Pinjore Heritage Gardens
- Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland
- Siswan Ecotourism Project and various village homestays in the Shivalik region
Focus on Employment and Livelihoods
A core requirement of the sanctioned grant is to ensure that the training leads to tangible career outcomes. Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management noted that the programme mandates a 50 per cent gainful placement rate for trained candidates in relevant sectors.
The goal is to move beyond mere certification and focus on livelihood generation. Potential career paths for the 20 participants include:
- Nature guiding and wildlife/birding activities
- Ecotourism operations and destination interpretation
- Homestay management and rural tourism
- Nature-based entrepreneurship and conservation-related roles
The ₹17 lakh grant will cover all essential costs for the three-month residential programme, including training kits, course materials, boarding, lodging, transportation for field visits, and honorariums for resource persons.