The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF & CC) has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme titled Environmental Information System (ENVIS) since 1982-83. ENVIS, by providing scientific, technical and semi-technical information on various environmental issues, has served in facilitating policy formulation and environment management at all levels of Government as well as in decision–making aimed at environment protection and its improvement for sustaining good quality of life for all living beings.

Realizing the need for developing the green skills, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is utilising the vast network and expertise of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Hubs and Resource Partners (RPs). The Ministry has taken this initiative for skill development in the environment and forest sector to enable India’s youth to get gainful employment and/or self-employment, called the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP). The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development. It will help in the attainment of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016).

The candidates completing the Course(s) may be employed gainfully in the zoos/ wildlife sanctuaries/ national parks/ biosphere reserves/ Botanical Gardens/ Nurseries/ wetland sites/ State Biodiversity Boards/ Biodiversity Management Committees/ Wildlife Crime Control Bureau; industries (involved in production/ manufacturing of green products, as ETP operator); tourism (as Nature/Eco-tourist Guides), agriculture (as organic farmers/ green practitioners), education & research sectors as well as engage in waste management (in Municipal Corporations/ Councils/Urban Local bodies to advise on how to improve sewage, sanitation, land use services/ tackle pollution), water management, construction related areas, etc. Some of the courses enable the candidates to become self-employed.