We recognise children and young people as vital stakeholders in the future of forests and wildlife. In landscapes where human–wildlife interactions are part of everyday life, early engagement with young minds plays a critical role in shaping long-term attitudes toward conservation and coexistence.
Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) are an initiative of the Government of India, aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. The initiative aims to integrate environmental awareness and sustainability into school education by encouraging students to adopt environment-friendly behaviour in their daily lives. Through activities aligned with the seven themes of Mission LiFE, Eco Clubs promote responsible resource use, respect for nature, and active environmental citizenship.
Supporting Eco Clubs on the Ground in Bandhavgarh
In the Bandhavgarh landscape, where forests, wildlife, villages, and tourism are closely interlinked, Eco Clubs provide an important platform to translate national goals into locally meaningful learning experiences. LWF supports the implementation of Eco Clubs in government schools around the reserve by working closely with teachers, Forest Department staff, and local institutions. We work closely with around five schools, providing sustained handholding to strengthen their Eco Clubs, while also conducting training sessions and workshops across 50+ schools in the wider Bandhavgarh landscape.
Our role focuses on contextualising the Eco Club framework to the realities of living alongside wildlife. Through interactive sessions, nature-based learning, creative activities, and environment-focused events, we help students connect classroom learning with their immediate surroundings. Topics range from understanding local forests and wildlife to waste management, water conservation, and peaceful coexistence.
Eco Clubs in Bandhavgarh are designed as participatory spaces where students are encouraged to observe, question, and reflect. Learning often extends beyond school boundaries, with children taking conversations around conservation back to their homes and communities. Teachers have noted increased student engagement with environmental issues, while forest staff observe greater awareness and sensitivity among young people living close to the reserve.
The programme is implemented in close collaboration with the Bandhavgarh Forest Department and is supported by Morningstar India through its CSR initiative. By supporting Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in Bandhavgarh, LWF contributes to a national vision while grounding it in local experience.
