Children, young people and education
Education for sustainable development
Defra's overall aim is sustainable development, which means a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come, including:
- a better environment at home and internationally, and sustainable use of natural resources;
- economic prosperity through sustainable farming, fishing, food, water and other industries that meet consumers' requirements;
- thriving economies and communities in rural areas and a countryside for all to enjoy.
For further information see www.defra.gov.uk/environment/sustainable/ and the Government's website www.sustainable-development.gov.uk.
Youth involvement: review of sustainable development strategy
Defra has sought to involve young people in the consultation process for the review of the sustainable development strategy, 'Taking it On'. In summer 2004, workshops took place with the British Youth Council and the UK Youth Parliament that explored the key themes of sustainable development in relation to what the concept meant to them, their hopes and fears for the future of the world (internationally, nationally and personally) plus looking at ways to make sustainable development a reality now both for decision makers and individuals. Please see the report on these events below:
- Understanding Youth Option
(90 KB)
Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills
The DfES Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills,
which Defra fully supports, can be found, together with other DfES information
relating to sustainable development can be found on the DfES website.
See www.dfes.gov.uk/sd/
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority site
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) have a website providing
a broad range of information on education for sustainable development.
See www.nc.uk.net/esd/index.htm
Background: Sustainable Development Education Panel
From 1998 to 2003, Defra co-sponsored the Sustainable Development Education
Panel (SDEP) with the Department for Education and Skills. Many of the
Panel's ideas and suggestions on education for sustainable development
are now being taken forward in the DfES Sustainable Development Action
Plan for Education and Skills.
See www.defra.gov.uk/environment/sustainable/educpanel/index.htm.
Page last modified:
5 September 2005
Page published: 21 January 2004