In the interest of creating a working understanding of the concept of EE, a concise definition for EE has been evolving over the last 30 years.  For many in the field, the understanding is rooted in the Tbilisi Declaration (UNESCO, 1978), a product of the world’s first intergovernmental conference on EE:

“Environmental education is a process aimed at developing a world population that is aware of and concerned about the total environment and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, commitments, and skills to work individually and collectively toward solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones.” (UNESCO, 1978)

The Declaration also established three broad objectives for EE:

• To foster clear awareness of, and concern about, economic, social, political, and ecological interdependence in urban and rural areas.
• To provide every person with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment, and skills needed to protect and improve the environment.
• To create new patterns of behavior of individuals, groups, and society as a whole towards the environment.
  

The above is but one attempt to define EE, a field that is so broad and rich with possibility that it has proved extremely difficult to assign a succinct, meaningful, universally accepted definition.  In that respect, it is somewhat akin to an attempt to define art, philosophy, or religion. The concept of EE is incredibly wide and varied, encompassing any and all disciplines and educational settings.

Ultimately, EE aims to establish an environmentally literate and aware citizenry and a sustainable society.

Environmental Education in Wyoming

In 2005, WAEE, with funding provided by US EPA, Region 8, Office of Environmental Education compiled a report on the status of environmental education in Wyoming.  The State’s uniqueness – economy, educational system, and geography – were given careful consideration when analyzing the status of environmental education and making recommendations for improving access to EE.  The report yielded significant findings and the conclusions serve as a guide for WAEE’s future efforts.

To read the full report, click here.