What is Environmental Education?
Environmental Education is regarded as a continuing process in which individuals and the community gain awareness of their environment and acquire the knowledge and understanding, values, skills, experiences and also the determination which will enable them to act individually and collectively to solve present and future environmental problems.

It seeks to clarify and harmonise the ethical, aesthetic, scientific, technological, socio-economic and political concerns and values of individuals and communities, in so far as these influence their perception of the environment and its sustainable use.

Why do we need Environmental Education?
Continued local, regional and global environmental problems have an impact on the environment and that requires appropriate decisions and actions by all members of the communities (consumers and producers). People form part of the whole ecosystem and are the ones upsetting the eco-balance. Therefore individuals and communities have absolute responsibility of being well informed and promoting sustainable methods of environmental use through education.

Botswana's National Goals of Environmental Education
The national goals for Environmental Education in the formal education sector apply to all levels. These goals are summarised below for all levels of learning:

• To provide every learner with the opportunity to develop environmental awareness, acquire knowledge and understanding of the environment and the need for sustainable utilisation of Botswana's natural resources.
• To develop desirable attitudes and behavioural patterns in interacting with the environment in a manner that is protective, preserving, and nurturing.
• To develop critical thinking, problem solving ability, individual initiative, interpersonal and inquiry skills to make informed decisions when dealing with environmental issues and willingness to participate in environmental protection and conservation.

The overall aim of environmental education in Botswana is to develop a society that is aware of and concerned about the environment and its associated problems; a society which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation and commitment to work individually and collectively towards solving current problems and preventing new ones.

“My Ministry accepts that it has an important role in co-ordinating and promoting environmental education in the country."
(The Honourable M. R. Molomo, Minister of Education, 1992)

“Environmental Education is fundamental to the future well-being of the planet and of its inhabitants. Through the exploration and development of insights, awareness, knowledge, skills and attitudes it develops essential competencies that enable people to make reasoned responses to the individual and social use of the environment”
(WWF-UK, A Common Purpose, 1988)

Download:
Education Guidelines.
Environmental Calendar.

In developing environmental consciousness and concerns the students should:

• Develop an awareness of and concern for, the total environment and its associated problems and to acquire a global environmental perspective through local and regional environments.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of the environment and people's interrelationship and interdependence with it.
• Develop skills in investigating, clarifying, analysing and evaluating environmental issues and problems.
• Examine personal and societal values and attitudes relating to the environment.
• Identify alternative approaches and opportunities to the use and management of the environment.
• Make informed decisions about local, regional and global environments based on information about ecological, scientific, historical, political, economic, social, cultural and aesthetic factors.
• Use a variety of educational approaches that encourage an appreciation and an empathy with the environment.
• Be able to work towards resolving environmental problems as well as actively participating in the care and conservation of the environment.