UNESCO sites as learning hubs for sustainability
UNESCO鈥 intersectoral programme on 鈥淎dvancing Scientific and environmental education for sustainable and resilient societies鈥 aims to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to scientific and environmental education, promoting lifelong learning and inclusive quality education systems.
The programme leverages the unique characteristics of UNESCO designated sites like Biosphere Reserves, Natural World Heritage sites, and Global Geoparks, along with the Global Network of Water Museums, to develop practical learning activities focused on climate change and mitigation. Each site holds a unique species, ecosystem and promotes human interaction to offer opportunities for engagement, empowerment and leadership.
Grounded in the holistic learning approach of education for sustainable development (ESD), these activities address critical issues while nurturing essential competencies such as system-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration to help learners understand the complexity of climate change and its linkages with biodiversity loss, food security, ocean conservation, gender inclusivity, living heritage, energy and sustainable lifestyles.
Active learning about climate and environment
The programme introduces innovative, action-based teaching methods at UNESCO sites, involving teachers, students, site managers, guards, schools, and local communities. Together, they work on climate change and environmental initiatives, encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices.
This collaborative effort expands engagement beyond the formal education systems and brings together multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving youth networks and local communities. Countries are encouraged to integrate this approach into their policies and curricula, ensuring all learners benefit from engaging learning opportunities.
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Share your insights!
UNESCO is calling all students, teachers, educators and community leaders to share with us their stories and experiences in using UNESCO sites as learning hubs to further sustainability efforts in day-to-day learning.
Strengthening biodiversity education
Building on previous activities, the programme draws on UNESCO's experience as the lead UN agency for biodiversity education. Pilot projects to strengthen biodiversity through ESD were undertaken in UNESCO sites between 2013 and 2015 and included Cambodia (Tonle Sap BR), India (various BRs), Indonesia (Komodo Island), Chile (La Campana Pe帽uelas BR), Ethiopia (Lake Tana BR), Tanzania (East Usambara BR), Costa Rica (La Amistad BR), Oman and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Luki BR).
The projects were built around introducing and piloting the tool through teachers鈥 workshops, linked with improving the educational offer and outreach of UNESCO sites, as well as a focus on integrating biodiversity and cultural diversity issues into educational programmes.
