Ecological Society (ES), Pune is a registered trust, founded by the visionary ecologist, economist and ornithologist Shri Prakash Gole, the Ecological Society has carved a name for itself in the field of ecological approach to sustainable development and nature conservation. The genesis of the Society goes back to March 1982, when a group of concerned individuals held discussions and formulated plans to set up a trust to further ecological research and education. ES conducts a 10-month post-graduate program on ‘Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Nature Conservation’ since 1997. The program has earned reputation as a leading educational program in ecological approach to sustainability and nature conservation. The program imparts theoretical concepts and helps participants gain field experience through camps and field work. The unique ecological approach helps understand the connections between nature, economy, livelihoods and conservation. Lectures are conducted by researchers, scientists, practitioners and academicians who are experts in their subjects. Visiting faculty are national and international experts. In addition to the flagship educational program, ES also conducts various research projects in the field of ecology, nature conservation and sustainability. Some of the important projects are Analysis and recommendations after the study of devastation by Nisarg cyclone, Pune City Floods: Causes, analysis and mitigation measures, Ramnadi Restoration Mission, Ecological Guidelines for Riverfront Development of Mula-Mutha rivers, Ecological assessment of Panshet dam catchment, Restoration potential area determination for select dam catchments in Western Ghats, and more. In the present anthropocentric era, which gives prime importance to mankind, a nature-centric approach is the need of the hour. In order to conserve natural resources for the future generations, it is essential to spread the knowledge and awareness of ecology and sustainability to make good decisions for our planet now and in the future. Administrators play very crucial role in planning and efficiently implementing policies, programs and projects so as to make life better for citizens. YASHADA and ES can benefit mutually in working together for creation and delivery of courses/modules/symposiums/ workshops and research projects on the topics relating to Environment and Climate action for all the stakeholder in the policy ecosystem. The Ecological Society in consultation with YASHADA will design and deliver courses on Environment, Climate action and Sustainability for policy makers, NGOs, researchers, academicians and others interested in the subject. YASHADA and ES have agreed to enter this collaboration for the following activities:
• Training and awareness programs on Environment, Climate action and Sustainability for administrators, researchers, NGOs, Corporate managers, scholars etc which shall provide theoretical concepts, discussion with practitioners and field visit to help appreciate the concepts learnt in the class. These programs may be specifically designed for officers from various cadres such as all India level administrators from central ministries, class I officers, post promotion batches, officers from various govt departments and any other officer trainings planned by YASHADA.
• ES proposes to conduct a course on ecological consideration in Public Policy for Administrators.
• ES proposes to help YASHADA by identifying activities and experts for their environmental club.
• ES will curate and conduct courses in the ecology and sustainability domain in consultation with YASHADA for administrators and corporate clients.
• YASHADA would seek technical support from ES in case of research project that requires inputs related to Environment, Ecology, Climate action and Sustainability.