WEEC 2013 Plenary Session: The education pillar of ecological transition Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): Promoting Sustainable Development through Environmental Education worldwide Jan Eriksen, President of FEE

Foundation for Environmental Education Non-profit, non-government organisation established in 1981 out of a UN Conference Promoting sustainable development through environmental education worldwide Umbrella organisation with normally one member organisation in each country –4 member organisations in 4 countries in 1981 –77 member organisations in 65 countries in 2013 Five environmental education programmes

Countries with FEE member organisations South Africa 6 countries in the Caribbean 36 countries in Europe Canada New Zealand Morocco Kenya Japan Kazakhstan Brazil Tunisia China Russia Jordan UAE USA Iran Mongolia Uganda Malaysia Israel Singapore India Mexico

Eco-Schools Fun, action orientated 7-step change process Student-led Eco-School committees Embedded in curriculum learning Through themes such as Energy, Water, Waste, and Climate Change Using real life situations; Resulting in: –Eco-certification for a Green Flag –Development of leadership capacity –Lowering environmental footprints –Life-long learning for a sustainable world

Eco-Schools Involved in 2013 Students > 18m Teachers > Schools > Awarded > Local Govt > 5000 Countries: 54

Eco-Schools Cork University in Ireland becomes a Green Campus (730,000 saved in waste management fees) 75% of girls in Uganda Eco-School now stay in education after the installation of sanitary facilities

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) Youth-led environmental journalism in more than 25 countries Students aged : –Investigate a local issue –Create a production – written, photographic or video, where possible suggesting a solution –Disseminate to a local audience

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) Students connect through websites, social media and missions Annual competition judged by UNEP, EEA, UNESCO, IIEEE and a journalist from The Times

Learning about Forests (LEAF) Teachers to use the forest for educational activities Learning about forests, from forests, in forests International networking between countries Sharing of teaching materials across borders that can be adapted locally Encouraging:

Learning about Forests (LEAF) Links with partner initiatives such as UN Year of Forests 2011 and UN Decade for Biodiversity until 2020 Programme reflects all functions forests fulfil for people: –cultural –ecological –economical –social

Blue Flag Oldest eco-label for beaches and marinas in the world – celebrates 25 years in 2012 Voluntary award given one season at a time Four areas of criteria: –Environmental Education and Information –Environmental Management –Water Quality –Safety and Services

Blue Flag Running in 48 countries More than 3850 sites awarded in 2013 Application approved by National and International Jury Individual Blue Flag for Boat owners at marinas Blue Flag iPhone app

Green Key Fastest growing ecolabel for tourism facilities globally –Hotels and hotel chains –Conference centres –Hostels –Campsites –Small accommodations Award given one year at a time Standard international criteria and specialized national criteria

Green Key Water Waste Energy Chemical use Food and beverages Guest involvement/awareness Environmental management Staff involvement Open spaces Climate Change 2100 establishments in 30 countries. Individual hotels and international chains such as Starwood, Rezidor

FEE International Partners include UNEP UNWTO UNESCO ISESCO

FEEs Global Forest Fund FEE has established a CO 2 offset system For its own trips but also offered to companies and individuals online Administered by LEAF Tree planting at schools together with environmental education activities Cooperation with Panasonic: product one tree

More information about FEE and its five programmes can be found at: