Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, Feb 23: Ankan Paul, a student from Andaman and Nicobar Islands has made it big in International level. His project “A.N.S.W.E.R. (Andaman and Nicobar Serves as World’s Environmental Roadmap)” was selected for the prestigious “International Climate Champions programme 2011” of British Council and TERI.
“It is a proud feeling for me to be amongst the 17 International Climate Champions selected from India in 2011.In this regard I have attended a training cum workshop camp organized at T.E.R.I.’s green campus in October and a camp on “desert ecosystem” in Jodhpur which were attended by International Climate Champions from U.K.,China,Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and many dignitaries including the “Maharaja Of Jodhpur” Shri. Gaj Singh II and Charlie Walker; Director Projects British Council,” said Ankan while talking to Andaman Sheekha today about his project.
Ankan, is currently studying MBBS from from Burdwan Medical College, West Bengal. 21 years old Ankan, had completed his schooling from Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Port Blair.
“I always had it in me to do something for environmental protection and to prevent climate change. I have presented projects at various NGO and governmental platforms. One of my projects regarding watershed development in my islands was selected for the Indian Science Congress held at Ahmedabad.I was Air India’s “Rank Award winner” and represented Andaman and Nicobar islands in the student delegation that visited Singapore. I was also part of the governmental student delegation that visited Japan under the “J.E.N.E.S.Y.S.” program,” he said.
Ankan’s project is based on conservation, research and awareness building on the plethora of flora and fauna species found in these islands and he is presently looking for candidates, especially schoolchildren to form his own green team in these islands who would also get recognition from the organisations.
“This is the first time that a project on A&N Islands has been selected for this prestigious programme. I am also working on a National Action Project with a group of International Climate Champions which is concerned with “Adoptation Of Tribal Techniques In Everyday Life To Counter Climate Change” which was selected for full funding amongst various proposed projects,” he said. The National Action Project covers tribes from A&N Islands, Nilgiris and North-East.
“We are in talk with various research organizations and N.G.O.’s to bring researchers to the islands for implementation of these projects. The administration has also pledged support to us in the implementation of the project and we are grateful to the administration for this. We also seek cooperation of the public in these islands for implementation of these projects and would like to invite organisations in field of environment to work with us. According to me ”Climate Change” and “Environmental Protection” are not just the concern of environmentalists and Government organizations but a responsibility for all of us. Also,I am of the view that “Environmental Protection” and “Sustainable Development” must go hand in hand,” adds Ankan.
