Eco-Schools Global programme around the world
The Eco-Schools Global programme is the largest and best-known global environmental education programme for educational institutions. The programme is globally run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-governmental non-profit organization based in Denmark that aims to promote sustainable development through environmental education. FEE works with organizations from more than 80 countries through various programs, including the eco-label awards the Blue Flag and the Green Key. UNESCO recognizes FEE as the world’s leading organization in environmental education and as a promoter of education for sustainable development.
Eco-schools global programme brings environmentally friendly thought to school’s everyday activities and helps to implement it fully and methodically. It helps to shape a new responsible and environmentally minded generation. Our youth are the people who will decide what kind of world we will live in and how Earth’s resources will be used. It starts in the classroom, it expands to the school and eventually fosters change in the community at large.
74 countries have joined the Eco-schools Global programme around the world as well as about 59 000 educational institutions around the world. Estonia joined the programme in 2016.
The programme is based on three structural base elements: the Seven Steps methodology for how to take action, Twelwe Themes for how to involve all issues of the environment, the eco-label award Green Flag for reaching a high level of performance in complying with these previous steps.
Examples of the Eco-Schools Global programme principles can be found in this introductory video:
Eco-Schools Global national programme “Roheline kool” in Estonia
In Estonia the programme is coordinated by Tartu Environmental Education Centre (Tartu Nature House). The coordinator of the programme from Tartu Nature House.
The Eco-Schools programme has become more known in Estonia during recent years – there are over 200 schools and kindergartens in the network, among others hobby schools. All schools and kindergartens in Estonia, including international ones, are welcome to join us! Tartu Nature House also organizes network seminars for educational institutions that have joined the programme.
All the Estonian educational instititutions whom have joined the programme can be found on this interactive map. By clicking on the location it is also possible to find their pages and blogs about the activities of eco-schools programmes in their schools and kindergartens.
To get more info about Eco-schools programme’s news and activities, join:
• international Eco-Schools Global newsletter (subscription at the bottom of the page)
• international the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) newsletter (subscription at the beginning of the page)
If you’re looking for extra information about Eco-Schools programme in Estonia, contact the national operators at rohelinekool@tartuloodusmaja.ee
Local supporters and patrons of the programme
Starting from 2020 the patron of the Estonian Eco-schools programme is Kersti Kaljulaid (the president of the Republic of Estonia 2016-2021)
The implementation of the program is supported by a commission consisting of representatives from the Estonian Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Estonian Environmental Board, Tallinn Education Department, Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department, HARED NPO – Centre for Training and Development, Tartu Nature House, Tallinn University and Society of Estonian Environmental Education.
The coordination of the program and the implementation of activities are supported by the Estonian Environmental Investment Center and the President Kaljulaid Foundation in cooperation with Janek Pohla.
