Mumbai: Mumbai-based scientist Pushkar Vaidya will lead the Rio+20 India Programme, a part of the three-day conference that begins in Brazil Wednesday. The India edition will consist of a certification programme for schools in India and a workshop for corporate houses.

Rio+20 is the popular name for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development which will be held in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro from June 20 to 22.

The preparations for Rio+20 have highlighted seven areas which need priority attention: decent jobs, energy, sustainable cities, food security and sustainable agriculture, water, oceans, and disaster readiness.

As part of Rio+20 India Programme, Vaidya, through his organisation Indian Astrobiology Research Centre (IARC), will conduct a certification programme for students that will offer international curriculum focused on sustainable development related outlook, lifestyle and career prospects.

This programme will be available for students from schools and junior Colleges.

Day-long interactive workshops will also be organised for corporate houses to stimulate discussion and action leading to measurable commitments and follow up.

Several events titled Rio+20 India Summits will also be organised later this year including student associations, subsequently leading to Rio+20 India Declaration.

"We must remember that the Rio+20 Summit is not the end but a beginning - it has a critical follow-up phase. The Rio+20 India Programme is focused on this follow-up phase and will benefit participants as they learn about the science, art and economics that influence decision making processes at highest levels," Vaidya said.

Rio+20 program facilitator Sunil Churi said: "Rio+20 is about making and delivering commitments. IARC has made an official voluntary commitment to United Nations that it will take Rio+20 goals to one million Indians by December. It is called One Million Rios."

IANS