Environmental Education

Environmental education is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978).

Environmental education generally refers to curriculum and programs which aim to teach people about the natural world and particularly about ways in which ecosystems work. Environmental education programs often aim to change people’s perceptions about the value of the natural world and to teach how to change environmental behavior, such as getting people to recycle or how to build eco-friendly dwellings.

Environmental education programs often aim to (i) help students develop factual knowledge about the natural environment, particularly with regard to how ecosystems work and human impacts on the natural environment; (ii) foster more positive perceptions about the value of the natural world (iii) develop eco-friendly habits, (iv) engage students in environmental rejuvenation projects and (v) develop students’ psychological and spiritual relationship with nature.