Space Eco Literacy : A Vital Sustainable Means for Community Empowerment

Paper number

IAC-13,E1,6,8,x19658

Author

Prof. Jagannatha Venkataramaiah, Department of Civil Engg, UVCE,Bangalore University,India, India

Coauthor

Ms. Sahana Jagannath, Formerly Project Scientist,ISRO Hq India, India

Coauthor

Ms. Spandana J, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, India

Coauthor

Ms. Sadhana J, University School of Design, University of Mysore, India

Coauthor

Prof. Shobha Jagannath, Dept of Studies in Botony, University of Mysore, India

Year

2013

Abstract

Dynamic changes in the present day quality of life and quality of environment are greatly influenced  by the space  sciences and technology. Notwithstanding the dual use of space technology the irreversible impacts on health, resources and ecology for each abuse of finite resources are alarming.   Over two decades of  development  reviewed  by UN Systems during 1970-90s  reveal  that Participation is the key to Sustainability at Community Levels.  Space vision of a stewardship for the  present generation  to sustain a healthy and safe Space ship are challenging (UNCED,1992). The next two decades after Rio’92 have also provided ample break through Space Education Out Reach activities all over the globe. Few  such are Bharath Jana Vigyaan Jatha – Indian People Science March (  1987), Earth Day Network(1972) and Clean Up the World(2000) Campaigns  to name a few and thousands of Community Empowerment Models which have started providing the Tunnel Effect as a societal catalyst. Thus, these living through role eco literacy models enrich and add value to the  Space Education and Outreach initiatives..  Space Eco Literacy Model (Jagannatha, COSPAR 2012) provides one such simple Space Education Tool for empowering community for sustainable Development.

UNESCO/UNEP/IEEP 1977 Tbilisi conference provided historical mandates for nations to embark on formal and informal environmental education. Objectives of Environmental Education for individuals and community as awareness, attitude, knowledge, skills and participation have lived through the Rio Earth Summit-1992.Pro-active role of nations are vital to address and show case compliance to United Nations mandates. Public outreach activities need to be networked with various diversified activities aimed at  space eco-literacy both at Individual and Community Levels. An EESS – Ecological & Environmental Studies by Students model developed in 1987  is one such Eco education Model which was cited as one of the 20 Best Eco Education Models.(Earth Day Network, 2000).

In this presentation,genesis and process of development of  EESS, 1987 and Space Eco-literacy, 2011 models in the backdrop of People Science Movement in India with over 35 years is captured from the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) point of view. A community eco literacy drive during 2000-2010 on the banks of Kukkarahally lake, Mysore,India for over 320 Sundays with 4500 man-hours 300 volunteers including all the authors provided the backdrop for Space Eco Literacy Campaign.. Later the effort culminated in to a Sunday Space Eco Literacy model which was developed during April-June 2011 and are discussed..

Abstract document

IAC-13,E1,6,8,x19658.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,E1,6,8,x19658.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.