To commemorate 20 years of Earth Hour, the World Wide Fund for Nature India in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised a series of awareness and outreach activities in Gwalior.
The campaign was aligned with the global theme “Give an Hour for Earth”, emphasizing sustainable living and environmental responsibility at individual and community levels. The initiative witnessed active participation from students, trainees, and institutions, reflecting growing public engagement in climate action.
Youth Engagement & Capacity Building
The programme was conducted under WWF-India’s:
- Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building & Livelihood Programme (EIACP)
Participants included trainees from:
- Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)
Key Aspects
- Participation from 15+ States and Union Territories
- Youth actively promoted:
- Sustainable practices
- Environmental awareness
- Focus on capacity building for green skills and livelihoods
Awareness Activities Across Institutions
Key Institutions Involved
| Institution | Focus Area |
| The Scindia School | Student engagement on sustainability and responsible living |
| Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) | Promoting eco-conscious practices in tourism sector |
Outcomes
- Discussions on sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Integration of eco-friendly practices in professional sectors (tourism)
From Awareness to Action
- Participants took pledge to support Mission LiFE
- Focus on:
- Mindful consumption
- Environmentally responsible behaviour
Earth Hour: Global Environmental Movement
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2007 |
| Nature | World’s largest grassroots environmental movement |
| Coverage | 190+ countries |
| Milestone | 20 years in 2026 |
| Core Idea | “Switch off lights” is now broader environmental action |
Evolution in India
- Shift from symbolic “lights-off campaign” to action-oriented participation
- Activities include:
- Tree plantation drives
- Clean-up campaigns
- Biodiversity walks
- Cycling campaigns
- Sustainability workshops
Significance of Initiative
- Promotes grassroots climate action
- Encourages community participation and behavioural change
- Integrates youth and institutions into sustainability efforts
- Supports national initiatives like Mission LiFE
- Highlights shift from symbolism to actionable environmental engagement