November 2012: The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) has released an Outcome Document on Education and Biodiversity Conservation, which was adopted at the International Conference on Biodiversity Conservation and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The Document outlines recommendations on an ESD strategic plan of action within the context of biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

The Conference was organized by CEE and India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development, in partnership with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The Document, inter alia: acknowledges that Aichi Biodiversity Target 1 calls for awareness on the values of biodiversity and steps individuals can take to support conservation and sustainable use; recognizes the need to formulate educational strategies to support achievement of the Aichi Targets; stresses the need for an education strategy and plan of action within the CBD; and requests the CBD to facilitate the drafting of a strategy by the end of 2013.

The Document provides recommendations for the strategic plan, such as: including local biodiversity content in school syllabi; ensuring nature residential field experiences for schoolchildren; engaging youth in biodiversity monitoring; highlighting traditional biodiversity practices; favoring consultative decision-making processes; and facilitating farmer awareness on food and seed security when choosing new seeds. The Document also recognizes funding concerns and proposes strategic partnering and efficient fund management to support biodiversity education activities. It calls for further synergies between the CBD, UNESCO and other UN agencies, and suggests that UNESCO and others develop global ESD education, public awareness and training programs.

The Conference was held on the margins of the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the CBD in Hyderabad, India, on 13-14 October 2012. [Publication: Outcome Document on Education and Biodiversity Conservation] [IISD RS Story on Conference] [CEE Conference Website]