Parallel Session-3

Flowing Knowledge: Advancing Ecosystem Restoration Education through River Ecosystems

Brief Description

Background
The United Nations General Assembly has declared the years 2021 through 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Led by the UN Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, together with the support of partners, it is designed to prevent, halt, and reverse the loss and degradation of ecosystems worldwide. It aims at reviving billions of hectares, covering terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems. A global call to action, the UN Decade draws together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. 
FEE is co-leading Education Challenge 6.1 and Initiative 2 under this UN Decade, in partnership with UNESCO and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, leads the Namami Gange Programme a designated Flagship Site under the UN Decade that is working towards rejuvenating the River Ganga through ecosystem restoration, waste management, and community engagement.
There is an in-principle agreement to develop a model ecosystem restoration education framework for river ecosystems based on Namani Gange flagship project.
Session Objectives:

• Explore: Discuss the key challenges and opportunities in ecosystem restoration specific to river ecosystem.
• Identify: Map priority areas for developing educational content and strategies for different stakeholders in formal, informal and non-formal settings.
• Collaborate: Foster interdisciplinary dialogue to align efforts in embedding restoration education based on scientific research, and restoration practices.

Session Structure: Round Table
Participants: Experts in environmental education, river ecology, community leaders, policymakers, and educators.

• Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes) – Pramod Kumar Sharma, Senior Director of Education, FEE

Overview of Namani Gange Flagship site, current challenges (e.g., pollution, habitat loss, climate change) and its role in biodiversity, climate regulation, and community livelihoods.

• Setting the Context - Expert Perspective on ERE  (30 Minutes)
• Mr. Praveen Garg, President, Mobius Foundation (TBC)
• Dr Cheryl Charles, President and CEO Emerita, Children and Nature Network.
• Prof Chong Shimray, Department of Education in Science and Mathematics, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi. 
• Ms. Nina Hamilton, Director of International and Leadership Programs, NAAEE
• Mr. Neeraj Pal, Programme Coordinator, CEE North

• Round Table Discussions (30 minutes)

Quick introductions (name, role, perspective on river ecosystem restoration).
Guiding Questions

• What are the critical topics to include in river ecosystem restoration education?
• How can traditional knowledge and scientific research complement each other?
• How can we effectively engage communities, schools, and policymakers?
• What role do experiential learning and citizen science play?
• What barriers exist in implementing educational initiatives?
• What innovative tools (e.g., AI, digital platforms) can support ecosystem restoration education?

5. Closing Remarks and way forward by the expert panel (15 minutes)