OO. 8.1 Strive to include biodiversity and the concept of ecosystem approach in school programmes (primary and secondary schools, technical colleges, colleges of higher education, universities, etc.)

Many students place environmental issues, and even biodiversity protection, high on their list of concerns. Unfortunately, few are aware either of the threats to their immediate surroundings or of the opportunities for taking concrete steps in their everyday life. The education system has an essential role to play in this regard.

Teaching and training should focus on the development of skills that will enhance understanding and acceptance of the need for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Information should be presented not simply as science, but in a social, economic and political context, so that students can better understand which complex circumstances form the background for the making of decisions on biodiversity conservation. Courses addressing the values attached to biodiversity, and planning programmes applying the ecosystem approach should be proposed throughout the educational system, from primary and secondary school to technical colleges and universities.

 There are at present several environmental and sustainable development education programmes in the formal education system in Belgium, particularly at the primary school level. Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem approach must be systematically included in the executive terms* of all school programmes at the different school and higher education levels. To this end, better educational support must be provided to schools and teachers (for example, development of educative packages and publications on biodiversity aimed at the students).