February  27, 2025 was a day of learning and awareness for students in the 7th and 8th grades of Elementary School II at the Nossa Senhora da Glória Institute – INSG/Castelo, during the second edition of the Ecological Walk, held at Praia dos Cavaleiros, in Macaé, Brazil. The event provided an enriching experience, connecting theory and practice on environmental education, while reinforcing the importance of citizenship training.

The multidisciplinary activity, developed by Science, Geography and Physical Education teachers, aimed to stimulate reflection on environmental preservation. During the course, students were able to learn more about the importance of preserving the restinga and the impacts of construction on the coast, in addition to discussing the correct disposal of solid waste. “They had the opportunity to experience all of our content focused on environmental education and were able to see how this care can be effective and strengthened in everyday life,” explains the pedagogical coordinator of Elementary School II, Priscila Sousa.

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On February 21, the Dom Bosco Institute held its monthly Technical Parade. During this training, the educators from the Vila Paulistana and Bom Retiro Units met at the headquarters. At the opening , Father Emerson Medeiros, CEO, reflected with the educators on influencing . Using the example of Jesus and a video of Malak, the little girl from Syria who moved everyone, Father Emerson said that we need to be constantly encouraged to do good, so that we can also encourage others to take the same steps of faith. “Sometimes, we will reach many, not always everyone, because we also depend on internal movement. Encouragement influences, but we also need to assume this transformation for ourselves,” said the Director.

 The training continued with the group from the Green Alliance of Dom Bosco , bringing Ionilton Aragão from the Varre Vila project.

The movement, which has been going on for 13 years, aims to work on: Environmental health; Popular education; Sustainable consumption and the 5's of Sustainability. Aragão brought the group before and after photos of the movement passing through communities such as Favela do Gato, the Campos Elíseos region, Vila Nova and many others. He showed that through practical actions and conversations, with listening and love, it is possible to change people's sometimes “addicted” behavior of discarding waste anywhere. The actions consist of: guidance, street meetings and redefining spaces. 

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On January 30, 2025, the Clean Hills Club of Don Bosco College (Co-Ed), Yelagiri Hills, organized a Cleanliness Drive in the Athanavoor area to mark National Cleanliness Day. The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, encourage responsible waste management, and instill sustainable practices among students and the community. A total of 44 students from various departments actively participated in the drive, dedicating their 5th and 6th hours to cleaning the locality. The event focused on two key activities: area cleaning and waste segregation. Students worked collaboratively to clear accumulated waste, sweep the streets, and categorize collected waste into recyclable, biodegradable, and non-biodegradable materials. Despite challenges such as the large amount of waste, the students remained committed and successfully transformed the area into a cleaner space. The initiative not only improved the local environment but also raised awareness about cleanliness and sustainability, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork among participants. The success of the event has inspired future initiatives, reinforcing the importance of community-driven efforts in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. 

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The Campus Bird Count (CBC) is a unique citizen science initiative aimed at documenting bird species found in educational institutions, research campuses, NGO premises, and other green spaces. It is an integral part of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a global effort that engages thousands of birdwatchers in recording and monitoring bird species annually. As part of the GBBC, the Department of Zoology, Don Bosco University conducted the Campus Bird Count 8.0 on 14th February, 2025. This exciting initiative was led by Dr. Biswajit Chakdar, Assistant Professor Department of Zoology along with the Alumni of the Department. Before the bird count, Dr. Biswajit Chakdar conducted an orientation session where he provided a detailed briefing on how to use the eBird application for real-time data entry and checklist submission. He also explained the importance of the GBBC and how regular bird observations help in understanding long-term population trends and habitat preferences. 

A total of 20 bird checklists were uploaded on eBird. The survey recorded a total of 55 bird species, including both wetland and terrestrial birds, showcasing the rich avian diversity of the mosaic habitat of Tapesia Campus. The Campus Bird Count 8.0 was a resounding success, engaging students, faculty, and alumni in birdwatching, biodiversity conservation, and citizen science participation. By documenting bird species and uploading the data to eBird, participants contributed valuable information for global bird monitoring efforts. A total of 88 participants took part in the event including 5 alumni.

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The Department of Zoology, Don Bosco University conducted the Campus Bird Count 7.0 on 12th February, 2024. This exciting initiative was led by Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta Senior Project Officer, WWF India with 85 participants braving the early morning cold to spot the diversity of avian species on campus. The team encompassed students, research scholars, staffs and faculties from the Department of Zoology as well as other Departments. All the participants reported at 6:45AM. Dr. Mahanta briefed the participants about the event and how the participants can get involved with different organizations that will help in contributing towards conservation of flora and fauna. Around 7:00 AM the participants headed towards the “Elephant walk” area of the campus for the bird count cum bird watching event.

The event proved fruitful, with participants sighting around 36 different bird species within the campus premises. From Common Myna to Green-billed Malkoha, the diverse avifauna delighted both seasoned birdwatchers and newcomers alike. Dr. Mahanta, renowned for his expertise in ornithology, guided the participants, sharing insights into bird behavior and ecology throughout the event. The success of the bird counting event underscores the growing interest in wildlife conservation and ecological studies among students and the broader community within the university. Such initiatives not only promote environmental awareness but also contribute valuable data to ongoing research efforts.

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At the Instituto Domingo Savio, located in the Don Bosco neighborhood of the city of Córdoba, Argentina, the innovative interdisciplinary project “Urban Biosphere” was carried out this year. This initiative, promoted by the subject of Geography, was developed by the students of fifth year A and B, under the guidance of Professor Jonatan Montes Gobelet.  Biosfera Urbana was recognized, standing out among 247 proposals in the Educational Innovation Projects of the Province of Córdoba and obtaining the approval of the City's Deliberative Council.

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