YUVAN: Empowering Youth for Wildlife Conservation in Chhattisgarh

A new volunteer initiative called YUVAN, launched by the forest department in Chhattisgarh's Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, is effectively boosting community involvement in wildlife conservation. Since its introduction last month, the program has attracted over 600 junior members primarily from schools and more than 90 college and community volunteers.

Balodabazar's Divisional Forest Officer Dhammshil Ganveer highlighted the program's goal of connecting youth with environmental conservation tasks. Volunteers are engaged in biodiversity protection, reducing human-wildlife incidents, and conducting outreach programs. These activities aim to strengthen the link between youth and nature.

The YUVAN program emphasizes hands-on learning, offering training in areas like wildlife photography and eco-tourism. The forest department's aim is to cultivate passionate young conservationists equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to sustainable development within their communities.