The Power of the People: How Citizen Science Took Center Stage at UNEA-7
As the world gathered in Nairobi for the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), a powerful new force was felt in the halls of global governance. Representing The Naturalist School (TNS) and as part of a 33-strong delegation from the Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP), we arrived with a singular mission: to ensure that the data and lived experiences of ordinary citizens are no longer sidelined in environmental policy. TNS at the Heart of the Action The Naturalist School didn’t just observe the proceedings; we were instrumental in shaping the technical and community-driven outputs of the assembly. On the Ground: Our community was represented...
The UN’s Highest Body is Meeting: How We’re Planning to Champion the Citizen Science Charter
Article written by Ram Dayal Vaishnav, (Head - Citizen Science at The Naturalist School) originally at LinkedIn. The world is currently grappling with a triad of existential threats: the climate crisis, the rapid loss of nature and biodiversity and pervasive pollution and waste. The responsibility for forging a coordinated global response rests on the shoulders of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. From December 8 to 12, 2025, I will be in Nairobi, Kenya, for UNEA-7, under the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.” I am attending not just as an observer, but as a delegate...
Celebrating Big Butterfly Month 2025 with The Naturalist School
September is here, and that means it's time for the Big Butterfly Month (BBM)! The Naturalist School is thrilled to participate in this nationwide citizen science initiative dedicated to raising awareness about butterfly conservation and documenting their diversity. Throughout the month, nature enthusiasts across India come together to observe and record butterflies, and we've organized some exciting events to help you get involved. Butterfly Walks in Nagpur The Naturalist School is hosting nature walks in Nagpur, guided by Certified Nature Guide Nayanika Bhatia. Join us to explore local trails and spot different species. September 21: Ambazari Biodiversity Park, Ring Road, Hingna, NagpurThese walks all begin at 7:30 AM. September...
The World of Mantises: An Encore – Online Session
The amazing response to our "World of Mantises" exhibition has been truly overwhelming. We're incredibly grateful to every photographer and nature lover who contributed their stunning work in response to our call to submit photographs. Your passion for these incredible insects helped us create a powerful visual story, showcasing the beauty and complexity of mantises. To continue the momentum and dive deeper into their fascinating lives, we're excited to invite you to a special online session. Unveiling the Diversity of Indian Mantodea - Zoom session Join us for a virtual journey into the world of mantises. This online session is your chance to explore their behavior, diversity,...
The World of Mantises: An Unmissable Exhibition
From masters of disguise to captivating hunters, mantises are truly a wonder of the natural world. They are often overlooked, yet they live fascinating lives all around us—in our gardens, our parks, and even our cities. Now, for the first time, we are bringing their mesmerizing world to you. The Naturalist School, in collaboration with the K. P. Poornachandra Tejasvi Trust, is proud to present The World of Mantises, a week-long photography exhibition that celebrates the diversity, behavior, and beauty of these incredible insects. A Global Visual Story We were truly amazed by the overwhelming response from photographers, naturalists, and nature lovers from around the globe who...