UNEP’s work in environmental education and training has contributed to general awareness about the environment and fostered environmental education in States around the world. The environmental education and training programme has:
- Developed environmental education guidelines and strategies as well as educational materials, curriculum prototypes, modules, posters and audiovisual aids and promoted their local adaptation.
- Trained key educational personnel to serve as a multiplier effect for fostering the development of environmental education.
- Fostered international cooperation in environmental education through technical and financial support, field missions and participation in relevant activities of international governmental and g[non-governmental organization]s.
- Supported member states, of which ninety-five States have adopted environmental education as a key component in their national formal and non-formal education, while more are doing so.
- Developed curriculum prototypes for primary and secondary schools and for teachers on the basis of sub-regional environmental and educational needs and priorities for Africa, the Arab states, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The goals of UNEP environmental education activities include:
- Sensitizing individuals, groups, communities and nations to their ecological, economic, social and cultural interdependence and developing general environmental and development awareness.
- Providing everyone with the opportunity to acquire awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment in order to protect and improve our environment for sustainable development.
- Incorporating environment, development and population dimensions into the educational processes of all States.
- Creating new environment-friendly behavior patterns and lifestyles and fostering ethical responsibilities.
- Fostering environmental education for all.
- Promoting effective public participation in decision making with respect to environment and development issues.
For more information, see http://www.unep.org/Training/ or contact env.edu@unep.org