GANGTOK, (IPR): A Green Skill Development Programme on Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood in Ecotourism, organised by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology was inaugurated at Sikkim Science Centre, Marchak today.
The Green Skill Development Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, offers certificate courses aimed at building expertise in nature conservation and ecotourism guidance, apiculture (wild bee management), non-timber forest products (NTFP), and micro-entrepreneurship in bamboo crafting. Held from January 18 to March 18, the programme seeks to empower participants with practical skills and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities, informs a press release.
The programme was inaugurated by Education minister Raju Basnet along with Science and Technology secretary Sandeep Tambe, principal director Dorjee Thinlay Bhutia, director Suman Thapa, panchayat members, resource person, trainees and other dignitaries.
In his address, Raju Basnet emphasised the role of the training in providing participants with a deeper understanding of sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods. He stressed the significance of waste segregation in promoting environmental responsibility and discussed the potential economic benefits of exporting products made in the State, fostering growth and development.
Basnet also highlighted the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur' initiative, which aims to empower families by encouraging entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. He expressed hope that the training would be a valuable learning experience for all attendees, providing them with practical skills and insights that they could apply to their work and communities.
In his address, Sandeep Tambe provided an overview of the science centre and its various facilities, highlighting the essential resources available to support both learning and development.
Tambe also shared upcoming projects for the science centre, particularly those focused on engaging and educating children. He stressed the importance of the Green Skill Development Programme, highlighting how the training supports long-term objectives of skill development and sustainable growth.
Principal director Dorjee Thinlay Bhutia, in his address, introduced the Green Skill Development Programme and provided an overview of the three courses included in the training. He highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the department to enhance the skills and employment prospects of the trainees. Furthermore, he emphasised the programme's significance in promoting environmental conservation and fostering community development. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and enhance the skills they acquire to contribute to a better and more sustainable future.
In his welcome address, Suman Thapa emphasised that the programme aims to empower individuals with valuable skills in ecotourism, apiculture, and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the state’s vision of a greener and more self-reliant future and encouraged participants to make the most of this transformative opportunity.
The programme also featured the unveiling of the three courses under the Green Skill Development Programme, the launch of LED bulbs by the Self Help Group, a demonstration of bio-composting, and the distribution of Shiitake mushroom spawn by the minister.
The resource person for the programme were Usha Lachungpa, Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia and Lukendra Rasaily on ecotourism, Kul Bahadur Subba, Birendra Subba and Lakpa Dorjee Bhutia on bamboo crafting, and Tanka Bahadur and Harka Bahadur on bee keeping.
