It was a Saturday morning well spent at
Also at the walk was a special invitee — JN Prasad, a bird-watcher from JP Nagar. Prasad told the children about the more than 130 species of birds in the area around the lake. He also pointed out how some of these birds are on the brink of extinction.
The kids walked from gates 1-3 — a distance of 1 km — all the while with their eyes peeled out for birds and plants along the walk. Prasad told the children that once
The children could identify two different kinds of kites — Black Kite & Brahminy Kite, with Prasad making them draw the birds’ tails which are distinct. He explained the scientific names of birds, plants, and trees. He also shared information on the medicinal use of some plants and the importance of biodiversity within the lake ecosystem.
“The walk organised by the ActionAid Association was very useful to children. They asked many right questions about birds and trees. More such lake walks should be organised in future to create awareness among the children,’’ said Prasad.
When children volunteers Ishita and
These engagements with communities help in creating awareness and help them to appreciate the biodiversity within and around lakes
– Raghavendra B Pachhapur, ActionAid
Ishan and Ishita, in association with Prabodhan, an NGO working with children from deprived communities, selected children aged 12 years and above to participate in the walk. “It was useful to create awareness among the children about the environment,’’ said
Raghavendra B Pachhapur, Programme Manager, ActionAid, said that they have started conducting lake walks, butterfly walks and bird watching at different lakes in 2019. “These engagements with communities help in creating awareness and help them to appreciate the biodiversity within and around lakes. All these activities encourage communities to participate in lake protection and conservation. We would continue to engage children on environmental issues and plan more programs involving children from all sections of the society,’’ said Pachhapur.
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