IGNOU invites applications for biodiversity course

The Indira Gandhi National Open University’s (IGNOU) Chair for Sustainable Development (CSD) announces admission to the online appreciation programme on Sustainable Management of Biodiversity for the January 2013 session. According to Swaminathan, CSD, ‘There is need for greater efforts in spreading biodiversity literacy. This is particularly important in the context of the emerging changes in temperature, precipitation and sea level as a result of global warming. By conserving and enhancing its natural resource base and using its resources sustainably we can improve the resource efficiency of its economy and reduce its dependence on biodiversity.’ The programme is of one month duration and consists of four blocks. The blocks deal with the biodiversity and its importance, agro biodiversity, threats to biodiversity and sustainable use of biodiversity. The programme will provide an appreciation/understanding of the science underpinning biodiversity and will target the growing need for expertise in sustainable management of biodiversity in a changing climate and the need for mainstreaming these issues in the development planning and poverty reduction. The eligibility for joining this course would be a degree in any subject.