Title: The role of non-scholar organisations in environmental education: a case study from Portugal

Authors: Luisa Schmidt, Joao Guerra, Joaquim Gil Nave

Addresses: ICS/UL – Social Sciences Institute of University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Anibal de Bettencourt, 9 – 1600 Lisboa, Portugal. ' ICS/UL – Social Sciences Institute of University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Anibal de Bettencourt, 9 – 1600 Lisboa, Portugal. ' ISCTE – Institute of Social Sciences and Business Studies, Av. Das Forcas Armadas, Edificio ISCTE, 1649 Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify, characterise, collect and systematise data on initiatives of environmental education in Portugal. Currently, there is no integrated governmental program on environmental education in this country, but only unrelated voluntary initiatives. Although surveys indicated a growing concern by young people on environmental issues, systematic studying on the issue was lacking. The field seemed to be characterised by wide diversity and disperse voluntary action by non-governmental agents and self-mobilised teachers. In the context of the Decade Dedicated to Education for Sustainable Development of UNESCO, governmental and non-governmental organisations dedicated to the environment now have a new opportunity to enhance and coordinate contributions to make environmental issues a priority for the next generation.

Keywords: environmental education; Portugal; non-scholar organisations; sustainability education; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2010.029960

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2010 Vol.9 No.1/2/3, pp.16 - 29

Published online: 03 Dec 2009 *

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