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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
Conservation Consciousness A comic book highlights the
dangerous consequences of environmental degradation By A CORRESSPONDENT Although several books have been written on the causes and impact of environmental degradation in South Asia, an effort has been made for the first time specifically focusing on the children of the region. With the aim of generating awareness among children, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have come out with a comic book describing various phenomena of environmental degradation. "Nenne and Babuh: Discovering the Natural Resources of the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region" is targeted for 14 year olds. Students in middle schools in Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan can use it as a reference book. Each character serves a special purpose and works toward creating through dialogue and action awareness of the importance of maintaining a balance between nature and productivity. The book explains ways of improving the livelihoods of people by using natural resources without depleting them. Using exercises and activities, the book offers insights into bio-diversity, agricultural systems and practices in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. It discusses the links between humans, plants and animals. It talks about the fragility of the mountain ecosystem and the ways in which it can be damaged. The book also provides an opportunity for youngsters to discuss ways of improving the links between nature, the people and the government on encouraging change through collective action. The publication was conceived by the FAO (Crop and Grassland Service in collaboration with the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Group) and ICIMOD with the support of the FAO\Netherlands Partnership Program Assessment of Agricultural Biodivesity. Published after a trial study done through the Sanjivini Higher Secondary School in Kavre District, in the Central Development Region, the book also highlights various stages of environmental degradation and its impact. One of the aims of the book is familiarize children with the natural resources of the Hindu Kush region. It creates a wonderful adventure in understanding nature and the productivity of the land. The main characters of the book are Nenne and Babuh, two children living in the village. With them, the readers go on a journey to discovery. With them, one can see mountains, rivers, clouds, trees, flowers, tigers, snakes in their scenic splendor. Primarily prepared to generate awareness about the eco-system among the children of the Hind Kush region, the book also helps students understand nature, deforestation, poverty and other aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of nature conservation to food security and other aspects of the eco-system. Written in English, the book provides solutions to key challenges in preserving the eco-system. A booklet in Arabic on the creation and maintenance of a natural reserve in the Surian Steppe and another in English on savannah lifestyles was published by the FAO in collaboration with United Nations Environmental Program. With the aim of involving the rural youth in the use and maintenance of natural resources, these comic booklets have stimulated the interest, participation and the imagination of an entire generation of young people. Nenne and Babuh |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
