ABOUT US

The Auroville Botanical Gardens were started in August 2000 and have seen a remarkable growth since then. The site has been transformed into a luxuriant landscape that serves as an area for research into environmentally sustainable approaches to land management, as well as a location for environmental education. More than 310 tree species have been planted in the 25-acre arboretum, 5,500 specimens have been planted in the 10-acre conservation forest, and a TDEF plant nursery has been created, capable of producing 50,000 seedlings per year to promote the re-introduction of the indigenous flora of the region. The Auroville Botanical Gardens’ mission is to protect and enhance biodiversity and create a place where environmental education projects can develop through a qualified staff.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The Ecological Horticulture Course is a yearly program that runs for 4 months at the Auroville Botanical Gardens. We are in the 5th year of the Course. The purpose of the Ecological Horticulture Program is to train a new generation of professionals who are competent to lead teams in the field engaging in conservation work. The intention is to combine knowledge of plant biology and ecosystems with practical hands-on experiences that ensures best practices can be followed.

THE APPLICATION

The course is offered to participants from diverse backgrounds. It is envisaged that the maximum number of students will be 12. This number will be partially made up of recent graduates from universities and colleges who wish to supplement their academic studies with practical hands-on experience and along with others who have some more practical experience that they wish to develop further with background knowledge. We would run a selection process based on the best fit for the program offered after the initial applications are received and revert.

THE FEES

Fees will be charged and be used to cover the costs of the resources, travel expenses, materials, etc. The course fees for Indian nationals will be Rs 10,000 per month, and for international participants will be Rs 18,000 per month. Scholarships will be offered to youth from the bio-region who lack the financial resources to pay for the course.

E X P E C T E D

O U T C O M E S

Certification is given at the end of the 4-months course based on a commitment of time and effort. Regular attendance is expected with the active participation in the botanical work of the gardens, the keeping of a daily diary, attendance to the lectures, to the field trips and pursuing a personal project. At the end of the course each student will be free to choose their final form or assessment, it can be as a written project, something they have manifested during their time on the course or a practical demonstration of skills learnt, or a combination of both.

THE EDUCATORS

Our lecturers have many years of experience in the fields of horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture, forestry, geology , soil science and project management, as well as a deep concern for the conservation and restoration of natural habitats. Their aim is to impart the knowledge and experience that they have gained throughout a lifetime of working on the land.

FUTURE EMPLOYMENT

The participants may expect to find employment as project managers for eco-restoration and conservation projects, as supervisors in commercial landscaping companies and horticultural departments, or be ready to set themselves up as independent businesses in either the world of conservation or commerce.

DETAILS

Dates – 11th Dec 2023 (Monday) to 29th March 2024

Timings – 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday

Morning sessions – Practical session, Lectures –

Afternoon sessions – Lectures, Field study, Film, Group & Individual projects Practical

Field visits – Once or twice a week session, Lectures

Afternoon

To know more you can watch the interviews from teachers and students from our last batch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXKqddx01iw://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXKqddx01iw

Follow us for further information – https://www.instagram.com/learning.community_avbg/