National Education for Sustainability Network
Meeting summaries
Meeting 13: 7 December 2007, Canberra, ACT
Members discussed the effect of a skills shortage in Australia and its effect on the implementation of various government sustainability initiatives. The Vocational Education and Training sector was identified as central to addressing this issue and the Network considered what role it might play in supporting work in this area. Members were also updated on a number of research projects recently completed by the Australian Research Institute in Education for Sustainability (ARIES) as well as the results of the latest NSW Department of the Environment and Climate Change survey 'Who Cares About the Environment'.
Meeting 12: 20 July 2007, Adelaide, SA
Members were updated on current Australian Government priorities and the progress of the development of the National Action Plan for Education for Sustainable Development. Consideration was also given to a number of research topics to be pursued through the Australian Research Institute in Education for Sustainability.
Meeting 11: 1 December 2006, Melbourne, Victoria
The Network was informed on the outcomes of the consultation process for the National Action Plan for Education for Sustainable Development (NAP). Members reflected on the findings from the State and Territory workshops and discussed a number of themes to inform the drafting of the NAP. Each department and agency also provided an overview of their learning for sustainability education activities.
Meeting 10: 23 June 2006, Townsville, Queensland
Network members agreed on the importance of continuing to distribute copies and inform stakeholders about the National Environmental Education Statement for Australian Schools. Progress regarding the development of an Australian Government Strategy in response to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) was outlined. Members noted their interest in the ARIES project to develop an indicators framework for Australia over the period of the Decade.
Meeting 9: 9 December 2005, Hobart, Tasmania
The Network noted the importance of sharing information via the member updates to address the issue of duplicating resources. Members were also informed of the upcoming review of the Australian Government’s National Action Plan for Environmental Education and were invited to participate in various stages of the process. The review is expected to take place during 2006. The Network also discussed research proposals regarding professional development for sustainability educators and agreed to form a working group to refine the suggested approaches.
Meeting 8: 17 June 2005, Darwin, NT
The Network was informed that the Ministerial Council for Employment Education Training and Youth Affairs had endorsed the final draft of Education for a Sustainable Future: A National Environmental Education Statement for Australian Schools. Members suggested distribution and implementation strategies for the document. The meeting also considered the nature and role of Australia’s involvement with the European based Environment and School Initiatives (ENSI) and its connection to NEEN.
Meeting 7: 10 December 2004, Brisbane, Qld
Meeting 7 of NEEN considered a number of issues relating to environmental education in schools including a range of ideas to help secure the long-term development of the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative and the appropriateness of the latest draft of the National Environmental Education Statement for Schools. Consideration was also given to a number of research topics to be pursued through the Australian Research Institute in Education for Sustainability.
Meeting 6: 18 June 2004, Fremantle, WA
The Network has expressed a strong interest in Vocational Education and Training (VET), recognising the potential for the training provided through this sector to contribute to sustainable development. NEEN identified a need to strengthen its focus and understanding of the environmental education programs of its members in relation to business and industry.
Meeting 5: 5 December 2003, Adelaide, SA
NEEN agreed that research will be a standing agenda item for future meetings with the aim of reducing the duplication of research activity. Discussion of research activity is also expected to improve the education initiatives of NEEN members.
The Network endorsed a document outlining the Sustainable Schools common elements, which will be used to ensure that the project builds on the experience of the trials taking place in NSW and Victoria while meeting the individual needs of each State and Territory.
Meeting 4: 11 July 2003, Sydney, NSW
The Network goals were redrafted to reflect a stronger focus on action and outcomes based projects rather than a forum for only information exchange.
As a result of a National Sustainable Schools Workshop, draft criteria for a National Sustainable Schools program were developed for consideration by the Network. The draft criteria included a Mission and Vision Statement, School Environmental Management Plan or equivalent, Measurable Outcomes, an Accreditation System, Minimum data set/database and Continuous Evaluation.
Meeting 3: 29 November 2002, Melbourne, Victoria
The NSW Environment Protection Authority agreed to convene a working group, including Eco Wise Victoria, to research the capacity building requirements of the Commonwealth, States and Territories for the NHT and NAP.
NEEN agreed that research was an important component of delivering effective environmental education programs.
Meeting 2: 31 July 2001, Canberra, ACT
In September 2001 a NEEN working group met to discuss a proposal from New South Wales to trial a Sustainable Schools program. Subsequently, funding at the State and Commonwealth level was requested to pilot the program in New South Wales and Victoria over the following 18 months, with the eventual aim of adoption by other States and Territories. All States and Territories expressed their support for the joint Commonwealth/State project.
At the second NEEN meeting, the Victorian Education Department outlined how the Network had prompted the Victorian State agencies - the Department of Education and Training (DET), Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) - to form a state equivalent of NEEN. This group meets regularly to discuss State environmental education issues and is working to implement the Victorian pilot of Sustainable Schools.
Meeting 1: 1 May 2001, Canberra, ACT
At its first meeting, each department and agency provided an overview of their environmental education activities. The purpose of the Network was discussed and participants agreed that the goals of the body should be to:
- encourage the exchange of information between States, Territories and national bodies;
- promote collaboration and sharing of resources within States and Territories and between States, Territories, Commonwealth and national bodies;
- expand discussion on the theoretical aspects of environmental education and on strategic directions, new programs and possible collaborations; and
- promote the sharing of research with a view to developing quality programs and materials.
Secretariat
To contact the Network or for further information, please contact:
National Education for Sustainability Network
Secretariat
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601