Environmental education

A YEAR more before the 2005 to 2014 designated decade of “Education for Sustainable Development” by the United Nations ends. With this a more intensified campaign is being done to pursue the concept of its objective.

One who is active in promoting and practicing environmental education which is an integral part of the said concept is University of the Cordilleras Professor Jay Jay Fernandez Manuel, the Secretary of the environmental group Restoration Ecology Society of the Philippines (RESPhil-SCENe).

On February 10, 2013, in his talk as invited speaker during the clean-up drive activity of the Language and Literature Center of the English Department of UC at the Pine Trees of the World, he inspired the officers on the importance of sustainable development which he said is a process of social change that must be experienced by all members of the society.

He said by mere holding a broomstick is already considered a significant action for environmental protection amidst the threat of global environmental issues.

“Education for sustainable development comprises the subjects of environmental protection, the efficient utilization of natural resources, the maintenance of the ecosystem and responsible attitudes among members of society and the business community,” Manuel said.

He also said that in environmental education people will develop awareness, concern, and knowledge on the environment which will lead to preserving, conserving, and utilizing the environment in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the present and future generations.

This education aims on providing people with the knowledge needed to develop their sense of responsibility towards the environment and the utilization of its riches. It is intended for all types of learners like the students, out-of-school-youth, community leaders, policy makers, and the general public.

He said some important information the people should know on this concern include the reality that all major natural resources in the country are in grave danger of irreparable damage, a society cannot survive if natural resources are unfit for use by its people, and the only hope of salvaging the situation is by making the youth be aware that they need to take action for the protection of the environment that they will inherit.

Making the children aware of the problem and that they are part of the solution is another way of arousing their interest and awareness on green issues Manuel added quoting Mahatma Ghandi’s famous lines’ “Education for life. Education through life. Education throughout life.”

Integrating environmental education in the curriculum in school is one big step in creating awareness to the young on the pressing global issues and their important role in helping mitigate the effect of these concerns. But more efforts should be done to really touch the hearts of everyone and let them feel that they are part of the solution.

We need more sincere environmental educators like Manuel, an educator who really has the heart for the cause and does not expect something in return for good job done. We need environmental educators who have sincere motives. We do not need those who call themselves environmental advocates but their real objective is to generate funds and use their advocacy in making money by soliciting sponsors in the locality and abroad.

(For comments and suggestions email alahsungduan@gmail.com)