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Education policy and the RSPB

A school visit to the Ebbw Vale Education Centre

Without education, conservation can only be a short-term, single-generation activity.

Without mechanisms for transmitting conservation skills, information and values, today’s conservation efforts remain unsustainable.

It is not unreasonable to think of conservation as a subset of education in the same way that all human endeavour in general is a subset of the natural environment rather than vice versa.

Starting with that premise, RSPB education policy work aims to influence the education system in the UK and elsewhere in favour of sustainable development. 

Within that, we aim to ensure that biodiversity is seen as an essential component of the whole Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) movement.

ESD is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone now and for generations to come. At its heart are social progress, environmental protection and the consequences of personal actions.

In practice, RSPB staff engage with every level of the education system, from children and teachers in schools to the Training and Development Agency for Schools, Universities, Government Departments and Ministries. 

Our aim in all cases is to improve the climate for ESD by:

  • campaigning for children’s right to out-of-classroom learning experiences
  • trying to enshrine education as a key part of Government biodiversity and environment initiatives
  • working with other ngos, Government and statutory bodies maximise the biodiversity benefits of the education system
  • promoting Education for Sustainable Development within the curricula in all the four UK education systems.     

The RSPB has common educational aims throughout the UK. To achieve their local implementation we recognise the need to work with the different systems and institutions in each of the four countries. 

Last modified: 23 August 2006

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Sustainable Schools in Northern Ireland (1.1Mb)
Education policy and advocacy priorities for the RSPB in Northern Ireland