In a world of accelerating changes, increasing complexity and compounding uncertainty, our success in physical and social security depends on knowledge of our environment.
This necessitates development of an operational system for continuous monitoring of bio-physical environments and ability to generate real-time alternatives or solution to the risks. At a national scale, it translates into a National Ecosystem Monitoring Program (NEMP).
However, under the prevailing circumstances of predominantly qualitative approach in environmental science academia in India, NEMP seems will seem to be a quixotic idea. It is important to realize that opportunity cost for NEMP is non-existent.
As a prelude, it would be wise to establish a National Council for Education and Research in Environmental Sciences (NCERES). A vibrant NCERES will catalyze the metamorphosis of the entire spectrum of environmental sciences in India and realize NEMP.
Source: Reflections: A Report of Activities carried out in the Department of Ecological Informatics at Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management – Kerala from November 2009- November 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment