FOUNDATION COURSE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

The course employs a unique 'case study' based approach for

teaching the key principles of Environmental Management and

Sustainability. The case studies have been chosen carefully to

highlight the multi-stakeholder, multi-scale and interdisciplinary

nature of environmental issues.

Powered by Ekolearning’s robust e-learning engine, the course is

enriched with interactive features such as videos, audios,

discussion forum, individual assignments as well as group work

to foster student participation and collaborative learning.

Mentors comprise eminent academicians, industry experts and

administrators engaged in environmental governance.

Attending the course provides a great opportunity for

networking and towards building careers in environmental

management & sustainability.

Learn at your pace

over 8 weeks

4 Learning

Modules, each

driven by a case

study

Interactive and

Multi-media-

enriched

Mentor supported

Fee: Rs. 2000/-

FREE Trial till

October 30

Register at:

ekolearning.ekonnect.net

Or

Email:

divya.narain@emcentre.com

THE LEARNING MODULES

Module 1: Urban Air Quality Management – Who is the Manager?

Urban air pollution has become one of the most serious environmental issues we are facing today. However, there is a clear institutional gap when it comes to managing urban air quality. Firstly, most cities in the world do not have an air quality manager! Secondly, there are serious lacunae in the expertise available with local authorities to deal with a problem so complex. This module presents case studies and cites important reading resources wherein various stakeholders, viz. government, business and community have come up with different approaches for tackling urban air pollution. One of the main cases dealt with is that of substitution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Delhi. Did this substitution work? What were the major challenges? How were these challenges addressed? What are the lessons to learn? Can we apply the principles to the problem of river water quality management? This module provides student an ability to understand complex issues of environmental management at area-wide and regional scales.

Module 2: Ecological Risk Assessment – Making Difficult Choices

Modernization of our civilization is marked by an increasing exposure of ecosystems to anthropogenic stressors - physical, chemical and biological. The result is increased risk of adverse impact on the various components of ecosystems – a concept dubbed as Ecological Risk. This module examines the principles and strategies of Ecological Risk Assessment using the case of Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs). GMFs are produced from crops that have been genetically engineered to produce higher yields, be resistant to pest and diseases and pack more nutrients. In the US, 60% of foods on supermarket shelves contain GMFs! Critics have however warned of the toxicity and detrimental effects of genetically modified crops on both humans and on ecosystems. As the debate rages on about whether GMFs should be prohibited or permitted, we as a civilization face a dual risk – risk to food security of the growing population if we say no to GMFs and risk of health and environmental hazards if we say yes. The module opens up this debate and introduces the concept of Ecological Risk Assessment to know that are no easy answers. The choices are difficult!

Module 3: Business and Sustainability – Does Sustainability Pay?

Sustainability is the buzzword that has spawned industry-wide interest and has led to the emergence of several corporate sustainability initiatives in the recent times. Stakeholders including customers, community and employees, are keen to understand the commitment and performance of business in terms of Sustainability. But, Sustainability is a term that is hard to define. Communicating sustainability is equally challenging. And an even bigger challenge is putting sustainability into practice. Some say that ‘sustainability pays’ (although it is hard to find clear evidence of material or economic gains that result from sustainability), others dismiss it as mere greenwash. This module tries to demystify business sustainability by expounding the four tiers of sustainability – ‘compliance’, ‘beyond compliance’,

‘beyond factory gates’ and ‘expanding social frontiers.’ In this module, the students research to look for industry

case studies in India under each tier of sustainability with guidance from Ekonnect’s mentors.

Module 4: Addressing Water Conflicts – Avoiding Water Wars

Water as a critical natural resource has several competitive uses. Principal stakeholders include domestic users, farmers and industries. All these stakeholders compete fiercely as water resources are fast depleting, getting polluted and supplies are becoming uncertain due to factors like climate change. Besides there are inter-state and international issues when water crosses the boundaries. This module focuses on the challenge faced by today’s environmental manager of managing natural resource conflicts. It presents a case of a water project in the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh where a conflict between urban-rural-industrial demands arose. Was this conflict resolved? What process was followed? In this module, a dozen such case studies are cited to make students appreciate the nuances of conflict resolution in natural resource management. Assignments to the students include preparing water conflict related case studies and draw on lessons learnt.

PRINCIPAL FACULTY

Dr. Prasad Modak

Dr Modak taught at Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay from 1984-1995. In 1996, he established a strategic consulting company – Environmental Management Centre where he continues as Executive President. He is currently Chief Sustainability Officer at IL&FS Ltd and oversees the implementation of sustainability framework across IL&FS Group of Companies. Recently, he has taken over as Dean of IL&FS Academy for Applied Development. IAADs mission is to put sustainability in practice.

Dr Modak’s passion for teaching continues. Since 2009, he took position as Professor (Adjunct) at Centre for Technology Alternatives in Rural Areas (CTARA) at IIT Bombay. Dr Modak has trained more than 5000 professionals across the world and has developed several training packages on frontier areas of environmental management.

Dr Modak has been fortunate to span his career across teaching, research, consulting and implementation in the areas of policy, planning, projects and investments. He has worked with almost all key development agencies across the globe such as the UN, The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and has advised various Governments including the Government of India and the State governments.

First module FREE and open for preview!

The first module of this course captioned ‘Urban Air Quality Management' is now open for preview. Please visit ekolearning.ekonnect.net to enroll for the course and access the module. You will be mentored by the course faculty and will receive personalized feedback on the assignments. You are also requested to provide feedback on the module, which will help us improve the course. Once the preview period ends, you can continue with the course by paying the fee and can earn a certificate of completion.

ABOUT EKONNECT (Visit www.ekonnect.net)

Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation (Ekonnect) is a Section 25 Non-Profit Company with a mission to promote and mainstream Sustainability.

Objectives are to raise awareness, offer training programmes, build institutional capacities, establish knowledge networks, sponsor research, recognize talent, catalyze innovation, promote entrepreneurship and influence plans and policies in the arena of Environment and Sustainability.

Interaction is driven through a dynamic website with social networking features, expert interface, knowledge resources, blogs and discussion groups, an event calendar and job postings.

An Ecosystem of institutions, experts and volunteers active in the field of Environment, Energy, Planning, Economics, Sustainability and Social Development is developed to help achieve our objectives.

Join Ekonnect by registering at www.ekonnect.net