Detailed Project Information(2)

The Energy and Resources Institute

GREEN OLYMPIAD AND TERRAQUIZ- INDIA’S PREMIER ENVIRONMENT EXAMINATION FOR SCHOOLS

The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) was formally established in 1974 with the purpose of tackling and dealing with the immense and acute problems that mankind is likely to be faced with in the years ahead on account of the gradual depletion of the earth’s finite energy resources and on account of the existing methods of their use which are largely unsustainable. TERI as one of its initiatives has been actively involved in educating the youth on environmental issues and disseminating relevant information to a large cross-section. The EEA (Environment Education and Awareness) Area of TERI has particularly been working with educational institutions to sensitize students to the environment, inculcate the right values and attitudes about the environment in them, and help them grow as responsible citizens of the world. Keeping this in mind, the EEA Area has undertaken several short and long-term projects with schools, involving students and teachers and through them, the communities. GREEN Olympiad is one such annual international environmental examination for middle and senior school students conducted by TERI (the Energy and Resources Institute) and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India. This culminates into TERRAQUIZ, the first televised environmental quiz programme for school students. Hero Honda Motors Ltd. is the prime sponsor of the programme. TERRAQUIZ finalists carry back home not only gift hampers for their achievement, but also the responsibility to spread the word among their peers, juniors and yes, their parents too. Over the last several years TERRAQUIZ has evolved and strengthened into an asset of immense potential. Children are the hope of the future and we are happy to see that this program is attaining great heights and we are able to reach out even to the remotest parts of the country. The project spreads across all the states and union territories in India, and in select countries abroad. The year 2008 saw direct participation of around 80,000 students. GREEN Olympiad has made a place for itself in the academic calendar

of the schools. Children are aware of pressing environment issues, which need to be addressed. They relate their day-to-day activities to the changes that they see and experience around them. The information that they gain through participation in the Olympiad is clearly translated into environment improvement activities at the school level. The GREEN OLYMPIAD is viewed as a dynamic school programme and the momentum created by this activity needs to be sustained and strengthened. This project features in the Limca Book of Records as India’s first environment examination.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India provides awards to meritorious students of this green test. A certificate of participation to all participants from the ministry is also given. The project enjoys support from MoEF since 1999. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti are project partners. “The environmental burden on planet Earth has been increasing progressively over the years. Actions to arrest and reverse this trend require the involvement of youth, so that their future can be safeguarded. The GREEN Olympiad has created an excellent platform for young minds to understand environmental issues and test their knowledge on environmental problems and solutions. Through this programme, the message of sustainable development is spreading rapidly, giving us hope for the future. I invite the school community to join in this endeavor of developing a brigade of young environmentalists. To participate in the GREEN Olympiad, contact TERI.” Dr R.K. Pachauri, Director General, TERI and Chairman IPCC.

Environment Education and Awareness The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Darbari Seth Block IHC Complex Lodhi Road New Delhi- 110003

Tel: (011) 24682100/51504900 Fax: (011) 24682144/24682145 email: [email protected] Web: www.teriin.org/olympiad