Balodabazar, April 5 A volunteer program launched by the forest department in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district of Chhattisgarh to strengthen community participation in wildlife conservation has received an encouraging response since its launch last month, an official said on Sunday.
"The YUVAN (Youth + Van) volunteer program encourages young people to actively participate in conservation efforts while building a strong link between local communities and the Forest Department," said Balodabazar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dhammshil Ganveer.
Since its launch last month, the program has received an encouraging response, with more than 600 junior YUVAN members – primarily school students – and over 90 active volunteers from colleges and local communities joining the growing network, he added.
Through YUVAN, participants are being given opportunities to work on real-world challenges related to forest and wildlife conservation, the official said.
Volunteers are actively involved in activities such as biodiversity conservation, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, environmental awareness campaigns, community engagement, and various nature-based initiatives at the grassroots level, he added.
The official said the program emphasizes practical learning alongside awareness, enabling youth to gain meaningful insights into conservation practices and inspiring them to emerge as future green leaders.
The forest department provides basic training and exposure in diverse areas, including bird watching, wildlife photography, wetland conservation, eco-tourism, forest-based livelihoods, and strategies to address human-wildlife conflict, the DFO added.
These hands-on activities are designed to equip young participants with valuable skills while fostering a deeper connection with nature, he said.
"The broader objective of the YUVAN program is to develop a motivated and informed group of young individuals who can contribute effectively to conservation efforts within their communities. It also seeks to enhance awareness about the importance of forests and wildlife in everyday life and in achieving sustainable development goals," he added.