]]
Publications
Environment Australia, January 1999
This Discussion Paper has been written to ensure that it is meaningful to a diverse range of people. While some stakeholders working in the field may find certain material straightforward, it is included to help as wide an audience as possible appreciate why environmental education is a priority.
Section 1 - The Importance of Environmental Education - outlines some reasons why education is a vital part of any effective attempt to foster sustainable development - both in terms of addressing international environmental threats, and in attending to the various environmental challenges facing Australia.
Section 2 - The Nature of Environmental Education - proposes a broad definition of environmental education, and offers five principles which should define its operation. This section provides a conceptual starting point for stakeholders to develop policies and programs which reflect these characteristics.
Section 3 - Providers of Environmental Education in Australia - moves from the conceptual to the practical by providing a snapshot of environmental education in this country, describing the wide range of providers, activities and markets for environmental education.
Section 4 - Environmental Education and the Federal Environment and Heritage Portfolio - takes a closer look at the scale and nature of environmental education activities undertaken by the Environment and Heritage Portfolio. This section summarises the feedback obtained in a recent review of the Portfolio's educational activity. Finally, the section identifies some strategic objectives and specific policy options which could assist in re-orienting the activities of the federal Environment and Heritage Portfolio to significantly enhance its educative role. While these options are not endorsed government proposals, they give an indication of the current thinking of the Portfolio as to its future directions in environmental education.
Section 5 - Priorities for Environmental Education in the Community - offers broad directional and strategic suggestions on how to improve the effectiveness of environmental education in Australia across all sectors.
Section 6 - Conclusion - sums up the matters raised in this Paper and invites stakeholders to make submissions on the broad policy directions and specific proposals put forward. Details on the timetable for submissions are also to be found in this section.