Centre for Environment Education

Accurate real-time coral reef bleaching classification is challenging due to the high computational cost and limited interpretability of conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which restrict deployment on resource-constrained edge devices. To address this, we propose Fibonacci-Net (F-Net), a lightweight and interpretable CNN that integrates Fibonacci-based filter scaling, a patch-based hybrid area-attention mechanism to enhance fine-grained coral features, and a particle swarm optimization-Adam hybrid optimizer for stable learning on small, imbalanced datasets. Evaluated on 7384 coral images, F-Net achieves 97.6% accuracy, better than some well-studied CNN models in the literature. The novel gradient-weighted class activation mapping and filter discriminability analyses further enhance interpretability, demonstrating F-Net's effectiveness and deployment readiness for large-scale autonomous coral reef monitoring.

Widespread coral reef degradation in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) underscores the need to support restoration to accelerate recovery in severely impacted areas. Restoration science in the WIO remains nascent, with few small-scale initiatives and limited integration between reef managers, practitioners, and researchers, hindering effective coordination of efforts toward larger-scale action. This study aimed to consolidate knowledge on WIO coral restoration initiatives, identify lessons learned, and assess current practices to inform future coordination and scaling efforts. We focused on (i) approaches and techniques used, (ii) lessons from successes and failures, and (iii) the potential role of a regional practitioner network in addressing identified gaps. Data were compiled from peer-reviewed literature, online sources, a WIO practitioner survey, and a regional workshop. Results indicate growing momentum for coral reef restoration, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and the Seychelles, with an increase in publications since 2021. Twenty-two active initiatives were identified across eight countries; 76% involved local communities, and 27% were fully community-led. Asexual methods like coral gardening dominated due to cost-effectiveness, while sexual propagation was limited to Seychelles and planned for Mauritius. Initiatives primarily targeted fast-growing genera such as Acropora and Pocillopora, with limited species diversity. Monitoring practices were highly variable, with most projects relying on short-term ecological indicators and few reporting standardized quantitative metrics such as survival rates or restoration footprint. While 86% of projects collected ecological baseline data, only 38% included socio-economic indicators. The synthesis of findings contributed to the establishment of the Western Indian Ocean Coral Reef Restoration Network (WIOCRRN), a regional platform guided by the Capacity, Access, Research, and Enhancement ("CARE") framework, aimed at advancing resilient and sustainable reef ecosystems while aligning conservation outcomes with the socio-economic needs of coastal communities. The uneven geographic distribution of initiatives and documented data gaps highlight opportunities for improved coordination, standardization, and strategic scaling of restoration efforts across the region.

The Earth Summit, 1992, was a critical moment in the path to making the planet sustainable. Although not initially accepted at this Summit, the Earth Charter was developed through a wide global consultation process and launched in June 2000 as a people’s document. Today, as the world struggles to find a solution to the increasing climate crises, and governments negotiate at Conference of Parties meetings, the Earth Charter offers a set of ethical principles that serve as a foundation for the way forward. As we move toward greater environmental and climate literacy by introducing environmental education (EE) in school curricula, the issue of climate justice and the ethical principles needed for a sustainable planet become a critical part of the required understanding. The Earth Charter continues to be one of the best statements on ethics for sustainability while also serving as a critical framework for teachers. In India, at the Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad (CEE), where there was an early recognition of the need for a robust ethical foundation for environment and sustainability learning and teaching, the Earth Charter provides a sound perspective on integrating ethics and values into sustainability and climate change education.

Karnataka, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has witnessed significant variations in temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall patterns over the past two decades. These changes, driven by factors such as population growth, globalization, and both human-made and natural phenomena, have had diverse impacts across the state's districts. While average annual rainfall showed minimal variation overall, there were notable intra-district differences. Uttara Kannada, Hassan, and Shivamogga experienced increases in mean rainfall, contrasting with Gadag, Raichur, and Kolar, where changes were less pronounced. The study highlights the geographical specificity of rainfall distribution within Karnataka. Temperature trends revealed Raichur to have the highest average maximum and minimum temperatures, with Hassan recording its lowest minimum temperature in 2005. Kolar exhibited the lowest average maximum relative humidity, while peaks were noted in 2019 and 2020. Conversely, Kolar had the highest average minimum relative humidity, while Raichur experienced the lowest levels. Recognizing the profound implications of climate variability, particularly for agriculture, this study offers crucial insights for crafting adaptive strategies. These strategies are vital for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of Karnataka's diverse districts in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

Telineelapuram pelicanry (IBA-IN-229) is located in the village scenery with an area spread of about 244 ha at Tekkali mandal in the Srikakulam district. The present study was carried out from 2009 to 2015. An attempt was made to record spatial distribution of nests of Spot-billed Pelican or Grey Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) over a wider canopy with a ground cover of 11.04ha. A handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit was used to mark the canopy ground cover and Open-source GIS tool, QGIS Wein 2.1.8 was used to visualize the in-situ conditions by integrating the ground data and analyze temporal variations with spatial scenario. During the study period, there was an increase in spatial distribution of nests over the available trees, and reduction of canopy area utilized for nesting. The increase in the population of two bird species during the study period indicates the potential of available resources for the expansion of its nesting area.