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Give definition, concept and milestones for education for Environment andSustainable Development

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Definition, Concept, and Milestones for Education for Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD)

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Definition

Education for Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD): Education for Environment and Sustainable Development is a transformative learning process that empowers individuals and communities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to address environmental and sustainability challenges. EESD aims to foster a sustainable future by promoting understanding, critical thinking, and action-oriented approaches towards environmental protection and sustainable development.

Concept

The concept of EESD is based on the integration of environmental education and education for sustainable development. It encompasses a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that includes the following key elements:

  1. Knowledge and Understanding: Providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, sustainability principles, and the interconnections between ecological, economic, and social systems.
  2. Skills Development: Equipping learners with practical skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication to address sustainability challenges.
  3. Attitudes and Values: Promoting values such as respect for nature, responsibility towards future generations, and commitment to equity and justice.
  4. Behavioral Change: Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles and practices that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.
  5. Action-oriented Learning: Emphasizing hands-on experiences, community engagement, and real-world problem-solving to empower learners to take meaningful actions towards sustainability.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrating knowledge and perspectives from various disciplines such as science, economics, social studies, and ethics to provide a well-rounded understanding of sustainability issues.

Milestones for EESD

The development and recognition of EESD have been marked by several key milestones at international, national, and local levels. Here are some significant milestones:

  1. The Stockholm Conference (1972): The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm highlighted the need for environmental education to address global environmental challenges.
  2. Tbilisi Declaration (1977): The first Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education in Tbilisi, Georgia, established foundational principles and guidelines for environmental education globally.
  3. Brundtland Report (1987): The report “Our Common Future” by the World Commission on Environment and Development introduced the concept of sustainable development and emphasized the role of education in achieving it.
  4. Earth Summit (1992): The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro adopted Agenda 21, which included Chapter 36 on promoting education, public awareness, and training for sustainable development.
  5. UNESCO’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) (2005-2014): This initiative aimed to integrate the principles and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. It raised global awareness and encouraged educational reforms towards sustainability.
  6. The Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD (2015): Following the DESD, UNESCO launched the GAP to continue advancing ESD globally, focusing on five priority areas: policy support, whole-institution approaches, educators, youth, and local communities.
  7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015): The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs by the United Nations highlighted the importance of education, specifically Goal 4.7, which aims to ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
  8. UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development: Towards achieving the SDGs (ESD for 2030) (2020): This framework aims to scale up actions on ESD to support the achievement of all SDGs through education by focusing on transformative action, structural changes, and technological future.
  9. COP26 (2021): The 26th UN Climate Change Conference recognized the critical role of education and public awareness in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.

Examples of EESD Initiatives

  • Eco-Schools Program: An international program that engages students in learning about environmental issues and taking practical actions to improve their school’s environmental performance.
  • UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet): A network of schools worldwide that collaborate on projects related to sustainable development and intercultural understanding.
  • The Earth Charter: An ethical framework for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society, which is used as an educational tool in various institutions.
  • Green Universities: Universities adopting sustainability in their operations, curriculum, research, and community engagement to promote sustainable development.

Education for Environment and Sustainable Development is crucial for fostering a generation of informed, responsible, and proactive individuals capable of leading the transition towards a more sustainable and equitable world. Through continuous efforts and collaboration, EESD aims to create a sustainable future for all.

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