We live an very materialistic world. We want all the latest technology, more powerful cleaning agents, faster and larger cars, not to mention easy access to countries on the other side of the world. One could argue that many of these things have enhanced our quality of life, making our lives easier and allowing us experiences beyond our wildest dreams. BUT have we stopped to consider the impact on our planet earth??

I am sure we would all agree that we want a cleaner and safer earth for our children and grandchildren and although we are not in a position to make the massive changes necessary to reverse the current situation overnight, we are in a position to play our part in changing the world one step at a time and collectively making changes that will help to SAVE OUR PLANET EARTH before it is too late

By Creating Environmental Awareness, we are taking the first step towards making these changes.

So where can we start??

Well there is so much information available on the internet, articles about Global Warming and Climate Change are prolific, and becoming informed is an important first step. But just being informed isn't going to make a difference if we don't do something positive with the information we have gleaned

Don't delay - do something today

Fortunately, a lot of methods exist that are practicable. Educating the masses about the environment and its conditions and providing basic knowledge to school kids, adults, villagers and other groups is very important.

Afforestation is also a very good form of action. Through afforestation a huge number of trees are planted and a lot of people can participate in this activity. This is not only a activity based on the environment but also a workshop in which people can gain fresh knowledge in the process of planting trees.

Establishing small groups in schools and professional institutions, and working for environment is also important. It is very fruitful as it is real action. Normally, we call these kinds of small groups working for the cleanliness of our surroundings as social workers.

The number of internationally operating NGOs is estimated at 40,000. National numbers are even higher: Russia has 277,000 NGOs. India is estimated to have between 1 million and 2 million NGOs.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participate vitally in the international system. They contribute valuable information and ideas, advocate effectively for positive change, provide essential operational capacity in emergencies and development efforts, and generally increase the accountability and legitimacy of the global governance process.

The National Environment Awareness Campaign launched by the Ministry

of Environment & Forests, Government of India in 1986, is being continued for

2004-05 also. The campaign is to be conducted on the identified environmental

theme. Non-governmental organizations, education and training institutions,

professional organizations, scientific bodies or Government Departments actively

involved in the field of environment education and awareness can participate in

the campaign. These bodies singularly or in partnership with other organizations,

will organize programmes for creating environmental awareness at the local level

throughout the country.

About the programmes

NEAC is a flagship environmental awareness campaign of the Government

at the grass root level involving thousands of NGOs, voluntary agencies,

educational institutions and others. The campaign is conducted annually on an

identified environmental theme. The activities are aimed at spreading

environmental awareness, which could lead to remedial action from the

individuals and society. NEAC has two components, namely, awareness

campaign and action oriented component related to the identified issue involving

local people. A nominal financial assistance [Rs. 5000/- to 25,000/-] is provided

to the recommended participating organizations for carrying out the programme.

A marginally higher financial assistance may, however, be considered but only in

exceptional cases. The proposals shall, therefore, be submitted keeping this in

view.