PROJECT DEFINITION
The Eco-Schools Programme is an international project developed by ADEAC (Association for Environmental and Consumer Education) and the FEE (Foundation for the Environmental Education). Participation in the programme is completely voluntary and open to public, private, and subsidised schools throughout Spain.
It has the purpose of promoting environmental education at the international level for sustainable development and the environmental management and certification of infant, primary, and secondary schools. It favours the engagement of the entire educational community (students, teachers and families) and of the municipal authorities, requiring their collaboration so that the ideas that arise in the centres can be put into practice inside and outside the school environment.
The Programme encourages students to develop an active and participative role in their schools and shows them how they can improve and benefit their local environment, especially in the basic themes of WATER, ENERGY, WASTE, RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, and FAIR TRADE. This way, it stimulates the habit of participating in decision-making processes in future generations, as well as the awareness of how important the environment is in their daily family and social lives.
OBJECTIVES
The overall vision and goals described can be achieved through the following objectives:
METHODOLOGY AND STAGES
The involvement of schools in the Programme implies, with the exception of small national or regional differences, common elements or internationally agreed stages, which can be summarised in the following methodology:
METHODOLOGY AND STAGES
There are three basic work areas proposed by ADEAC as essential in all Eco-School projects: «Water», «Waste», and «Energy». Some schools optionally include additional topics: «Biodiversity», «Responsible consumption,» «International Cooperation,» and «Fair Trade.»