Learning about Forests A Programme of Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

Foundation for Environmental Education FEE was established in 1981 out of a UN conference (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe) Non-profit, non-government organisation Promoting sustainable development through environmental education worldwide Umbrella organisation with one member organisation in each country 4 member organisations in 4 countries in member organisations in 73 countries in 2015 Five Environmental Educational Programmes Blue Flag Green Key Learning about Forests Eco-Schools Young Reporters for the Environment

FEE International Institutional Partners UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organization UNESCO & ICESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

The Foundation for Environmental Education Ensure that participants are engaged in the learning/teaching process Empower participants to take informed decisions and actions on real life sustainability issues Encourage participants to work together actively and involve their communities in collaborative solutions Support participants to examine their assumptions, knowledge, and experiences, in order to develop critical thinking, and to be open to change Encourage participants to be aware of cultural practices as an integral part of sustainability issues. Encourage participants to share inspirational stories of their achievements, failures, and values, to learn from them, and to support each other Continuously explore, test, and share innovative approaches, methodologies and techniques. Ensure that continuous improvements through monitoring and evaluation are central to our programmes.

Learning about Forests Over 13,000 teachers working to increase the level of awareness & knowledge about the key role forests play in sustaining life on our planet

Learning about Forests Programme LEAF began as a coopeation between FEE and existing ‘Forest in Schools’ programmes in Norway, Sweden & Finland International Steering Committee (ISC) includes representatives from FEE and the founding countries 2000 – offically rolled out countries worldwide

2015 celebrating 15 yearscelebrating 15 years

Growth of the LEAF programme

Interest from other countries is growing 2629 – primary schools – students

Information Gathered Annually Country Year started How countries run LEAF No. of reg. schools No. of teachers involved No. of students involved Number of trees planted Positive aspect Negative aspect

Collecting Interesting Country Facts Country Total forest cover (% reserve/wood production etc.) Type/variation of forests Biodiversity in forests Threats to forests The importance of trees in law, culture & folklore International significance of countries forests Future of forests

LEAF Figures

The LEAF Programme The LEAF programme encourages environmental education through awareness raising among students, teachers & the wider community The LEAF programme is designed for schools, however, other educational organisations can be included

The LEAF Programme Aims 1.Increase level of awareness & knowledge about the key role forests play for sustainable life on our planet 2.Stimulate activities that help students achieve an increased level of environmental maturity irrespective of age & previous knowledge.

The LEAF programme Objectives Ensure students learn to enjoy the outdoors, experience and observe nature Ensure students understand the ecological web Ensure students understand the interplay of man and nature Ensure students are capable of making decisions on environmental issues Ensure students help take responsibility for their future.

Sustainable Development Goals & LEAF The key Sustainable Development Goals linked to the Learning About Forests Programme are: Number 4: Ensure inclusive QUALITY EDUCATION and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Number 6: CLEAN WATER & SANITATION protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes. Number 15: Protect LIFE ON LAND

Sustainable Development Goal 15 & LEAF

The LEAF Programme The LEAF Programme reflects all the functions of forests :

The LEAF Themes Operated in a thematic manner Themes provide common ground for participating schools Countries encouraged to work on the current LEAF theme Five overarching LEAF Themes New approved themes added as subthemes

The LEAF Themes Operated in a thematic manner Themes provide common ground for participating schools Countries encouraged to work on the current LEAF theme Five overarching LEAF Themes New approved themes added as subthemes

The LEAF Award & Forest Cycle Schools that fulfil the Forest Cycle are awarded a Certificate of Achievement or a LEAF plaque, depending on resources, in recognition of their work. There are four stages to the LEAF Award 1.Registration 2.Implementation of the Forest Cycle 3.Application 4.Award

Behaviour Change Psychological Science Insights – Prof. David Hevey, Trinity college Dublin  Many interventions assume that people will behave differently if they know the facts  Change knowledge & change attitudes = Change in behavior!  However, numerous studies suggest education alone has little effect on sustainable behaviours (McKenzie-Mohr 2011) New thinking - COM  Capability (know how?) Opportunity (accessibility?) Motivation (believe/want?) = Behaviour change

Power of Positive Imagery

Tips for Changing Behaviour Use of positive imagery Research the initial situation  Consequence of current behavior? Set small achievable targets  What/when/where & how? Report on progress Self-efficacy: Enhance people’s belief in their ability to change Celebrate success

Celebrate success stories & enhance peoples belief in themselves

The Forest Cycle Research - access the levels of awareness in relation to forests and the chosen LEAF Theme

The Forest Cycle Monitor progress & display results

LEAF increasing knowledge & Creating Positive Change

Sharing positive stories! LEAF newsletter Facebook Twitter Flickr

LEAF International Developing programme Raising the profile Support existing countries New countries Strengthening programme Sharing success stories Monitoring & evaluating progress New Partnerships Aligns with ESD, GAP & SDGs

Contact Details Rachel Boyle International LEAF Director FEE International Head Office Scandiagade Copenhagen SV Denmark Tele: Web: