New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) A guided tour and an expert talk on biodiversity were key highlights of the National Zoological Park’s Summer Vacation Programme (SVP) 2026 which began at the Education Centre of with the participation of students across Delhi-NCR, an official said on Thursday.

Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar interacted with the participants and highlighted the importance of involving young minds with modern and innovative technologies in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship through such interactive educational initiatives.

Organised under the Mass Mobilisation Campaign for Mission LiFE and aligned with the World Environment Day theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, the two-week programme aims to create awareness among young students about biodiversity conservation, climate action, wildlife protection, cleanliness and sustainable living through interactive educational activities.

A total of 854 students registered online through the Google registration link made available on the official website of the National Zoological Park.

Out of these, 60 participants were selected on a first-come, first-served basis and subsequently contacted telephonically for confirmation. On the inaugural day, 39 students from 15 schools across Delhi-NCR attended the session with great enthusiasm, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The first day of the programme featured an orientation session introducing participants to the objectives and activities of SVP 2026, followed by a guided zoo visit covering herbivore and carnivore enclosures. An expert talk on biodiversity was also delivered by Faiyaz A. on the eve of the International Day for Biological Diversity.

The two-week-long programme is being conducted in two slots – Slot A and Slot B – with 50 participants in each slot, comprising 25 junior and 25 senior students.

The programme schedule includes a wide range of educational and creative activities such as wildlife photography, art and craft, heritage walks, slogan writing, poster-making competitions, cleanliness awareness campaigns, clay modelling, essay writing, exhibitions, expert talks and Mission LiFE awareness sessions, said a statement.

The Summer Vacation Programme will continue from May 21 to June 6, engaging students from Classes VI to XII in experiential learning and conservation education.

–IANS

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