Format: ORAL

Rajesh Rajaselvam1

1 Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CANADA

Being a part of nature adds new dimensions to our perception of it. Experiential learning enhances this perception by providing real-world experiences that help formulate ideal conservation strategies. With the clock of extinction ticking fast, the message on conservation must reach the younger generation swiftly. Admiration arises from experiencing something good; thus, visits to gardens and wilderness areas serve as inspirational platforms for practical education in botany, landscaping, and the conservation of plants and nature. School outreach activities and undergraduate field courses in experiential learning not only bolster conservation efforts but also facilitate the exchange of ideas on genuine conservation practices. Exploring Sri Lankan national parks from Canada through multiple educational field trips enabled students to grasp global concerns and promote awareness, paving the way for making biodiversity conservation in the tropics a reality. My experiential learning field courses have led me to conclude that garden and field visits, hands-on activities in the field, and the commitment of resource personnel are key elements in motivating young generations toward plant and biodiversity conservation.