31 March 2000
EDUCATE, INFLUENCE, SUSTAIN
The DOE's Environment and Heritage Service has just published an Environmental Education Strategy designed to educate, influence and sustain interest in the full range of environmental issues for which it is responsible.
In announcing the publication of the EHS Environmental Education Strategy Johanne Martin, Education Officer said: "Environmental education is fundamental to Environment and Heritage Service's mission 'to protect and conserve the natural and built environment and to promote its appreciation for the benefit of present and future generations'. All of the main functions of EHS have an educational dimension and this strategy provides a framework within which EHS staff can integrate environmental education into their everyday work."
In introducing the Environmental Education strategy Mr Jim Lamont, Chief Executive of the EHS said: "Perhaps more than anything else we do, it is our role in promoting awareness that demonstrates our commitment to partnership with people in all walks of life. We have a central role in the drive to protect and improve the environment, but we need the active support of the public. To make real progress, it is essential that people understand and agree with our aims. This is why the Directors and I are determined to give our full attention and support to this role of promoting awareness and appreciation.
"This strategy is written mainly for the guidance of EHS staff but I believe the strategy will also be of value outside EHS to many of our partners and to the general public. We are letting you know what our role is and how we approach it, in the hope that this knowledge will strengthen our joint effectiveness in facing up to one of the biggest challenges for society in the 21st century."
The purpose of the EHS Environmental Education Strategy is:
- to increase understanding of the environment and to motivate people to enjoy, protect and sustain the natural and built heritage of Northern Ireland.
- to provide individuals with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment and skills needed to protect and improve the environment.
- to improve the effectiveness of educational activities within EHS, through influencing content, development and practice.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Environment and Heritage Service is an Agency within new DOE.
- For further information, please contact Philip Maguire new DOE Press Office 028 9054 0013 e mail philip.j.maguire@doeni.gov.uk
- The EHS Education Strategy can be obtained by ringing the following telephone numbers 028 9054 6533 or 028 9054 6527.