The Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Architecture (VESCOA) had conducted a series of eco-learning activities in Mumbai. The activity involved more than 500 students, professors, and other staff members, and aimed at providing insight into urban ecology, biodiversity, and resource management, while allowing the participants to appreciate the interdependency between cities, their inhabitants, and the environment.

Within the framework of this program, some of the areas covered included the Godrej Mangrove Park located in Vikhroli, Maharashtra Nature Park located in Dharavi, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan & Zoo located in Byculla, and various other areas such as ecological corridors located in Chena Village, Yeur Bhendi Naala, and Bhandup Pumping Station.

The programme also included interactions with circular economy and waste management practices through waste segregation and paper recycling initiatives in Chembur and Thane. Complementing these were on-ground activities such as a tree plantation drive at the Miyawaki Garden in Powai, a clean-up drive in Kharghar, and a mangrove clean-up activity at Sarsole Jetty in Nerul.

Collectively, the 15 initiatives provided students with a well-rounded understanding of contemporary environmental concerns and responses, spanning urban ecology, coastal and mangrove systems, biodiversity conservation, and community-led action. By linking classroom learning with real-world contexts, the programme encouraged participants to view design education as something shaped equally by observation, engagement, and experience.

Anand Achari, Principal, VESCOA, said, “The best learning happens when theory meets practice. This initiative was designed to encourage participants to engage directly with the spaces, communities, and systems that shape our cities.”