For the last 10 years or so, I have really wished there was something....like an adult learners' program or a short course where I could get authoritative knowledge and training about ecology. From these thoughts, I came up with the following outline for a certificate course.
If I get a good number of applicants, I can send across a formal proposal to someone.
MUMBAI URBAN ECOLOGY
With the expansion of cities, erstwhile rural and forest
areas are getting urbanised. This phenomenon is happening in all parts of the
world and in Mumbai also. Secondly, within well established urban areas in
Mumbai, there are unique ecosystems with their own flora and fauna (even if
limited). Examples are kingfishers in gaothans, Coucals spread all over Mumbai
and numerous sightings of snakes. Inspite of being a megalopolis, in Mumbai all
is not lost. In other words, we still have a lot to lose if we do not protect
Mumbai’s ecology now.
In addition, there is nothing to suggest that urbanisation
should necessarily lead to environment destruction. Maybe the quality of the
environment will not be anywhere near when it was in a pristine state. But we
can ensure some greenery and mitigate the process of destruction. This is in
our own interests as environment protection helps to preserve local resources,
improves local ambience and has been clearly associated with good health outcomes
for communities.
Mumbaikars need to
learn about ecology and simple methods of preservation as applicable to Mumbai.
This will promote environment- mindedness and enhance knowledge and agency
where it already exists. We should aim to gift our coming generations the
remaining jewels of nature, natural resources (water) and a pollution-free
Mumbai.
To achieve this we need to do following two things-
1. Bring together like-minded Mumbaikars and Mumbai- lovers
under the ‘Mumbai Urban Ecology’ group. This is already happening due to self
motivated, well informed persons and by ngos and activists.
2. Provide know- how and training to those seeking to learn
and be instrumental in the study and protection of ‘Mumbai Urban Ecology’. This
is required by persons who have a strong desire to participate but lack the
confidence or knowledge or both.
For understanding and protecting Mumbai urban ecology, hi-fi
expert knowledge like environment engineering or PhD are not needed. An
accurate knowledge and orientation to the thought process are needed. This can
be achieved by a short course on a part-time basis with exposure to relevant
topics.
Hence, with respect to the second point, I propose to have a
‘Mumbai Urban Ecology’ course.
The course should be a distance- education or online course.
I propose it should be a year long course with following curriculum:
MODULE 1- INTRODUCTION ‘MUMBAI URBAN ECOLOGY’
What is ecology? What is Urban Ecology? Methods of study and
documentation. Historical perspectives. Present ecology. Distribution of
dissertation topics
MODULE 2- INTERFACE
Urbanisation and environment- effect and impact. Concept of
environmental impact assessment. Rules and laws. Review of Movements, campaigns
and ngo work- occurred in Mumbai or with relevance to Mumbai.
MODULE 3- PROBLEMS OF URBAN ECOLOGY 1
Habitat destruction. Resource depletion. And their
mitigation.
MODULE 4- PROBLEMS OF URBAN ECOLOGY-2
Pollution and its mitigation. Include studies on ‘green’
architecture and ‘green/ sustainable’ living, green designs
MODULE 5- APPROACHES TO URBAN ECOLOGY
Study and documentation. Adverse impacts mitigation.
Education. Advocacy and activism. This
module should be designed to cause reflection in the student about what should
be their role, what do they want to do with the learning in the course
ASSESSMENT
1. Group discussion
2. Dissertation presentation
METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION OF COURSE
Course can have two coordinators and we can have a first
trial batch with nominal fee or sponsored by some environment- minded
organisation. We will have to organise experts from relevant fields to take
respective topics. Some experts will also be needed to guide the students and/
or assess the dissertations. Many field trips will have to be organised.
The expenses will arise from
1. Faculty remuneration
2. classroom and other incidentals
3. Field visits
4. Study material
5. administrative costs
