The challenge of reconciling economic growth, social development and preservation of the natural environment is widely seen as the single greatest issue facing the global community. Therefore sustainable development requires active and knowledgeable citizens as well as caring and informed decision makers capable of making the right choices about the complex and interrelated economic, social and environmental issues the human society is facing.

The UN General Assembly in its 57th session proclaimed the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) for the period 2005-2014. DESD emphasises reorientation of existing education programmes by rethinking and revising education to include more principles, knowledge, skills, perspectives and values related to sustainability. It is visualised that education for sustainable development will develop and strengthen the capacity of individuals, communities, organizations and countries to make judgments and choices in favour of sustainable development.

Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916 is one of the largest universities of Asia with a strong commitment for teaching and research on environment related issues.

In accordance with the UN visualization that higher education should contribute significantly to the development of appropriate knowledge and competences in the area of sustainable development, in the year 2010, a national-level Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development was established in the Banaras Hindu University. The institute covers education about sustainable development (developing an awareness of what is involved) and education for sustainable development (using education as a tool to achieve sustainability).

Mission of the Institute is to carry out teaching, research and extension relevant to India’s sustainable development leading to a future that ends poverty and delivers and sustains efficient and equitable management of the country’s natural resources.

• • Increase improve and deliver environmental and sustainable development education.

  • Work in interdisciplinary approach mode to increase the level of environmental management and sustainable development education.

  • Research on sustainable social and economic development issues at community level and contribute in the enhancement of public awareness of issues and challenges of sustainable development.

  • Create a discussion forum to provide a better understanding of environmental and social problems in the context of sustainable development, stimulate scientific discussion and develop policy relevant approaches and analysis for decision makers.

  • Work with government agencies and departments to develop policies and status documents related to sustainable development initiatives.

The institute aims to organise and lead interdisciplinary and collaborative research to design, assess and manage systems that meet societal needs in a more sustainable manner. Research high priority areas are identified as follows.

• Global change and atmospheric pollution

• Natural resource management

• Sustainable agriculture

• Alternate energy resources

• Socio-economic & legal dimensions of sustainable development

Institute currently offers following teaching and research programmes:

• M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Earth & Atmospheric Sciences)

• M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Ecological Sciences)

• M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Environmental Biotechnology)

• M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences (Environmental Technology) (RGSC)

• PhD in Environment & Sustainable Development

Through its outreach activities, the Institute attempts to engage a variety of stakeholders in promoting sustainability. This includes community level demonstration projects, training programmes, conferences, workshops, and seminars, etc. Institute is also developing factsheets, status reports and educational resources on sustainable development.