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Office of Environmental Education
All of North Carolina's EE Resources in One
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The North Carolina Environmental Education Plan
1.3: Principles of Environmental Education |
The effect of state, national and international deliberations are captured in Caring for the Earth, a strategy published in 1991 through a partnership of the United Nations Environment Program and other organizations. The message and principles of that document relevant for North Carolina follow.
"Humanity must live within the carrying capacity of the Earth. There is no other rational option in the longer term. Unless we use the resources of the Earth prudently, we deny people their future. We must adopt lifestyles and development paths that respect and work within nature's limits. We can do this without rejecting the many benefits that modern technology has brought, provided that technology itself works within those limits. . . . "
Understanding and applying this concept of carrying capacity is a foundation of environmental education. It requires us to learn how to integrate conservation and development in seeking the goal of improved health and quality of life for all citizens, and stewardship of ecological systems that make human health and quality of life possible. The following principles of environmental education derive from this foundation.
Respect and care for the community of life.
All things are connected. When something affects one part of the environment, other parts feel the impact. The more we understand and respect our own community, the better we will understand this interconnectedness and our responsibilities to the global community of life.
Improve the quality of human life.
The aim of development is to improve the overall quality of human life. Development must enable all people to realize their potential and lead lives of dignity and fulfillment. This kind of development requires a healthy and robust supporting ecosystem.
Conserve North Carolina's vitality and diversity.
Renewable natural resources are the base of all economies. Soil, water, air, timber, medicines, plants, fish, wildlife and domesticated species -- all come from natural systems and can be maintained through conservation.
Life support systems are the ecological processes that shape climate, cleanse air and water, regulate water flow, recycle essential elements, create and regenerate soil and keep our environment fit for life. We must prevent pollution and degradation of these ecosystems as well as the natural plant and wildlife habitats they provide.
Biological diversity includes the total array of species, genetic varieties, habitats and ecosystems on Earth. It contributes to our quality of life, including a healthy economy. It is a foundation of the Earth's biosphere, buffering us from the inevitable changes in the environment.
Change personal understanding and practice.
Society must promote values that build and support its ability to continuously improve the quality of living for its citizens. This requires maintaining the quality and integrity of our natural environment. Knowledge, awareness and decision-making skills must be taught through formal and non-formal education to promote problem solving and constructive action to nurture the life-giving qualities of our ecosystem.
Enable communities to care for their own environment.
Living within the limits set by the environment depends on the beliefs and commitment of individuals, but it is through communities that people share concerns and promote practices that can nourish rather than cripple their natural life-support systems.
Provide a state and local knowledge base for integrating development and conservation.
Economic policy can be an effective instrument for sustaining ecosystems and natural resources. Every economy depends on the environment as a source of life support and raw materials. The knowledge base for each city, county and the state must be strengthened, and information on environmental matters made more accessible.
For North Carolinians to translate "caring for this goodliest land" into practice, the State's adult and student populations must understand certain ecological and civics concepts, and North Carolina's place within those concepts. |
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