The management of ecosystem involves inventorying and monitoring, and applying integrated technologies, methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches for its conservation. Hence, now it is even more critical than ever before for the human beings to be environmentally literate. To realise this vision, both ecological and environmental education must become a fundamental part of the education system at all levels of education. Environmental education programme at schools would generate ecological and environmental quality data at regional level, which helps the local administration in the management of natural resources. Involvement of schools (every year) helps in getting the data updated. The benefits are:

•  At the students level – students and local public get sensitised about their local/neighbourhood environment, socio-economic backgrounds and ecological relevance

•  When carried out periodically, over a period of time a good repository of local environmental information is generated by the high school students for their neighbourhood, which is a contribution in itself

•  The local body in terms of documenting what is in and around their neighbourhood – when this content is put online, it virtually reaches almost everybody

•  The state education department may stand benefited in terms of achieving its goal of enhancing quality (environmental) education

Fate of the earth's remaining natural resources depends on the sustainable management and development actions by humans. India will certainly achieve the goals of sustainable development only if it succeeds in developing environmentally literate public with the knowledge of ecosystems and the environment. This requires sincere effort and involvement of all sections of the society ­- decision makers, educators, and general public at large. It is the right time for all of us to plan our natural resources through conservation approaches. Sustainable ecosystem management and development leading to conservation of natural resources is the key to our secured future.

Conserve or perish!