Introduction

The sense of social commitment of Bharati Vidyapeeth is reflected in all its activities and programmes. Realizing the gravity of problems related to pollution, conservation of environment and bio-diversity; lack of awareness on the part of people about environmental issues and urgency to study them, Bharati Vidyapeeth started this Institute in 1993.

The BVIEER is a unique educational and research institution for several reasons. Its major thrust is to spread the message of the need for pro-environmental action in society at large through a dual strategy of formal and non –formal integrated set of activities. There is no other well known Institution that caters to the need of Environment Education at all levels –PhD, M.Sc and Diploma level with a major outreach school environment education program. This great range of integrated academics, research and outreach programs is a unique feature which greatly strengthens the academic initiatives.

The Academic Programs

BVIEER’s academic strength is its programs that caters to all levels and has a highly motivated core staff. Academic curricula is based on the current needs of environment management and a faculty of visiting academic and professional teachers. It also specially focuses attention on alternate teaching/learning methodologies. The focus of activities of the Institute is on both education and research. It runs a two year M.Sc. (Environment Science) programme and a one year Diploma programme in Environment Education. The M.Sc. programme through its innovative approach has been successful in capacity building among the students and equipping them with skills specially needed for environmental professionals. The Diploma in EE is specially designed for in-service is an innovative program that develops a high level of capacity incorporate EE in any field. The Institute has established itself as a well-acclaimed centre of research on environment related issues.

Internal courtyard and solar powered fountain and water circulation system

Special features of BVIEER

The distinctive characteristics of the BVIEER are its wide mandate of teaching, research and extension. Research, consultancies and extension have been major thrusts of the Institute The achievements include its projects and programs that have led to influencing policy and implementation of environment education at school and college level along with strategies for Protected Area Management.

Teaching Learning Program

The teaching program at the Institute uses a variety of approaches that focus not only on enhancing a student’s knowledge base but foster the development of a pro-conservation attitude.  These include field trips to natural and industrial environment management sites, use of audio-visuals, assignments, seminars, project work, guest lectures and community programs. Seminars are a compulsory part of the course. The Institute’s multidisciplinary and interactive role with policy makers, industry and NGO’s, its outreach and research programs have created opportunities to involve a large number of experts in the teaching learning program. The guest lectures organized not only help students to be abreast of the recent trends in environment but also link them up with potential employers. The unique ability of the Institute to integrate formal and outreach programs benefits the students who then get to interact with scientists, industrialists, policy makers, grassroot NGOs and teachers which helps in the development of a realistic approach to environment management. Through the collaboration of the Institute with University of Cologne, Germany, the students get a unique opportunity to enhance various skills during the student exchange program as well as the joint fieldwork conducted by the students of both the Universities. The Institute’s collaboration with Geomed Research Corporation, Germany enables the students to be selected for a one month internship program in GIS which is conducted in Germany.

Scholarships

The topper of the first year M.Sc. program is awarded the ‘Late Harishankar Moreshwar Mhatre Scholarship’ instituted by the Mhatre Foundation Charity Trust.

Placement

The placement track record of the Institute is very good. Due to the large number of collaborations and projects of the Institute, it is very well known in environment circles. Thus students of this Institute are placed with industries, colleges, Government and Non-Government agencies.

Co-Curricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops organized by the Institute and other organisations. Apart from academic activities, students are encouraged to participate in sports and cultural events organized by the Institute and other organizations in a bid to enhance their overall development.