One of the objectives in the latest government platform is to make Finland the most environmentally aware nation in the world. The City of Espoo is responding to this challenge in its own part.
Promoting Environmental Awareness
Awareness of the environmental impact of one’s own choices is improved through environmental education. In addition to knowledge, personal experiences and actions are important. They enhance a personal relationship with nature and motivate individuals to make environmentally responsible choices in their own life. The goal is to transform the values, skills, knowledge and habits of individuals and communities so that they comply with sustainable development.
Education for Sustainable Development in Espoo
In autumn 2011, the report entitled Education for Sustainable Development in Espoo 2011 was approved in Espoo. The report introduced an operations model demonstrating ways in which education for sustainable development will proceed in Espoo through the cooperation of various parties within the city.
The operations model is meant to support the work of the management teams of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education and support services in addition to unit supervisors and experts. The model will be revised and edited as cooperation continues. It is updated annually.
Espoo First in Finland to be in UN’s Sustainable Development Network
RCE Espoo was the first in Finland to gain membership in UN’s global network that promotes sustainable development. RCE Espoo became a member in the beginning of the year 2011. The network comprises local RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise) networks aiming to pursue the objectives of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014) and apply them to their own local and regional circumstances.
The sustainable development network in Espoo (Regional Centre of Expertise Espoo) was established as a collaborative effort between the City of Espoo Education and Cultural Services, Social and Health Services and Environment and Technical Services, in addition to Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Omnia – The Joint Authority of Education in Espoo Region as well as a number of private companies and associations that are committed to promoting sustainable development.