The Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is pleased to announce a colloquium on “Terracotta Environmentalism: Bridging Market and Green Approaches” scheduled to take place on 15 March 2020 at the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
At a time when environmentalists around the world are working towards solutions of immediate concern, it is important to reflect on the feasibility and resilience of these solutions that rely almost entirely on state capacity or central planning to fix the environment. The colloquium on Terracotta Environmentalism seeks to explore the role of private players, local communities and legal incentives in protecting the natural environment and wildlife. We will read, reflect, and reason out a community-centric approach to environmental issues that focuses on people as the centre for action on the environment.
What is a colloquium?
This CCS colloquium is a one-day in-depth discussion centred on a chosen theme. The colloquium provides participants an opportunity to disentangle themselves from the distractions of everyday life to reflect on issues of fundamental and enduring importance. Our hope is that participants will go on to share their advanced understanding and to develop innovative ideas and approaches for the advancement of liberalism today.
Unlike a traditional conference in which some lecture and others listen, participants at the colloquium explore a specified theme together by discussing texts they have read in advance. Their shared inquiry is guided by a discussion leader who offers probing questions and helps to keep things moving, but who does not lecture or advocate for any specific interpretation of the texts. The purpose of the discussions is not to convey doctrine or to drive home certain preconceived conclusions but to challenge participants to examine, refine, and develop their own ideas by engaging with others interested in the same issues.
The discussions at the colloquium are relaxed but maintain an air of formality. Participants are encouraged to listen attentively to one another's thoughts and concerns and to ask questions related to the text as a way of deepening their understanding of the issue and of each other.
How does it Work?
CCS will select 15 participants from among its alumni and other students and young professionals based on the merit of their application.
We will distribute the Colloquium Reader, a selection of articles and book chapters by various authors, to the participants well in advance. Participants are required to read and reflect on these texts carefully before the colloquium as they serve as the foundation for the shared inquiry discussions. Participants are responsible for the content of the discussions, thus the quality of the program depends entirely on their thorough preparation.
Eligibility
Students, young professionals and think-tank leaders are welcome to apply for the colloquium. We are taking applications until 25 February 2020 but it would be great if you apply as early as possible as we will evaluate applications when we receive them.
Apply here!