The Role of ASEAN Cooperation in Educating the Vital Environment for Living 17th February 2008 On the occasion of the 24th ASEAN Council of Teachers Convention At Charoen Hotel, Udon Thani, Thailand By Ms.Rachanee Emaruchi Deputy Director General Department of Environmental Quality Promotion

Contents: Introduction ASEAN and Environmental Protection Need to urge for preserving and educating on environment Ways to educate and campaign in environmental cooperation Done and ongoing activities in ASEAN Countries

Introduction : Man and Environment United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 at Stockholm action plans regarding natural resources conservation, education, human settlement and pollution were designed as tools to combat environmental crises

ASEAN region one of the richest and most varied natural environment in the world geo-physical and climatic conditions provide critical life support for ASEAN people in form of economic and livelihood

one of the highest population densities in the world / high urban population density in mega cities large population put pressure to improve standard of living and provide better care for environment

ASEAN and Environmental Protection ASEAN Environmental situation land resources and terrestrial ecosystem are under increasing stress pollution accelerate from industrialization and urbanization trans-boundary environmental issues

ASEAN and Environmental Protection Singapore Declaration at the ASEAN Summit Meeting of 1992 : ASEAN pledge “ to play an active part in protecting the environment by continuing to cooperate by promoting the principle of sustainable development and integrating it into all aspects of development.”

Commitment of ASEAN on Sustainable development The ASEAN Vision 2020 calls for "a clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to ensure the protection of the region's environment, the sustainability of its natural resources and the high quality of life of its peoples".

ASEAN Member Countries actively engage in addressing global environmental issues in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities

Need to urge for preserving and educating on environment Goal of Environmental Education : The Belgrade Charter The Charter states that : “ The goal of environmental education is to develop a world population that is aware of, and concerned about, the environment and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivation, and commitment to work individually and collectively toward solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones. ” 

Need to urge for preserving and educating on environment Agenda 21: a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally Chapter 36 Education Public awareness and Training

Need to urge for preserving and educating on environment Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD 2005-2014) UN–DESD : aim to integrate principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspect of education and learning create more sustainable future

Ways to educate and campaign for cooperation in environmental concern Done and ongoing activities in ASEAN Countries ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (AEEAP) : an operational framework for promotion of EE in AMCs - 1st plan :2000-2005 - 2ndplan :2008-2012

Ways to educate and campaign for cooperation in environmental concern Thailand, the Environmental Education for Sustainable Development Master Plan (EESD) was initiated in 2007 by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion(DEQP) The Plan belongs to no specific agency but of all sectors in Thai society Based on existing knowledge/local wisdom/social capital Aims to achieve balance between school-based and society-based EESD Recognize diverse dimension system to desire EESD with different emphases and approaches

Sustainable (green/eco) school concept and practice are widely promoted in many AMCs

Ways to educate and campaign for cooperation in environmental concern ASEAN Environment Year (AEY) : a flagship project every 3 years - 2000: Our Heritage, Our Future - 2003: Together Towards Sustainable Development - 2006: Biodiversity: Our Life, Our Future - 2009: Ecotourism: Our Nature, Our Culture

Ways to educate and campaign for cooperation in environmental concern Publications related to environment State of the Environment Reports

Recommendation Areas of international / regional cooperation to promote EE/ESD in the ASEAN region based on the survey results from the Education for Sustainable Development Research Center (ESDRC), Rikkyo University First is to cope with ‘weak assessment/monitoring’ by supporting of research/facilitation in this regard. Second is to facilitate further efforts on ‘sustainable schools’ via information sharing and awarding at the regional level. Third is to support countries that especially lack resources for EE/ESD practices. Fourth is the use of ICT in a more effective manner, including the revitalisation of ASEAN EE Inventory Database.