Perception of Students towards Conservation of Forest Resources: a case study from Western Himalaya, India

Tremendous strides have been made both in scientific research and education in India since independence resulted in an enormous expansion and improvement in the research and development (R&D) sector and education systems. However, the quality of research and education has been a major victim of this rapid and enormous expansion, as reflected by the perceptions of students/scholars towards conservation of biodiversity in the country. The present study has attempted to highlight the current status of conservation programmes being organized in different part of country and need for future conservation strategies for natural resources through student involvement, which are likely to be the future of the world. Student’s performance on two environmental issues has been analyzed across different districts of Kumaun region in Uttarakhand state. Based on three important criteria, such as general understanding, knowledge and willingness, the grade list was developed. General understanding carries a greater value in view of the potential to express the respondent’s concerns about above mentioned environmental issues. The major discouraging result of the study is that we could not receive the expected responses on most important criteria ‘willingness’. Involvement of perception of students must be considered as an important step for future sustainable conservation of natural resources. Science education through motivation does not give answers but creates inquisitiveness to find answers. The networks and partnerships with schools, teachers, scientific institutions and NGOs engaged in science motivation/popularizations have to be strengthened to work as best as we can.