Working together in partnership to develop positive attitudes and change behaviour towards the environment.
The Education for Sustainable Development Forum was established in 1995 with the aim of enhancing the profile of environmental education in the curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
The Working Group meets every quarter and liaises with ESDF regularly. The members should have both a personal and organisational commitment to environmental education as well as expertise and experience.
History
The Forum itself was established in 1995 with the aim of enhancing the profile of environmental education in the curriculum and extra–curricular activities. Through providing a forum and network for the exchange of information on environmental education, by encouraging co–operative working amongst those involved in its delivery and by promoting the role of environmental education in delivery of many core and non–core curriculum subjects, the Forum plays an important role in enhancing environmental education provision.
Networking
The ESD Forum is primarily a networking organisation which acts as a conduit to facilitate information exchange to and between its 86 members. It surveys what members want and arranges appropriate activities by holding events, meetings and providing advice and assistance.
For more information, visit the website here:
Key actions:
- To promote a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development
in Northern Ireland. - To provide a link between members for the exchange of methodology
and good practice. - To enhance the profile of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development within the Northern Ireland curriculum and in extra-curricular activities.
- To facilitate appropriate training and development for those who would benefit from it.
- To influence and advocate the development of relevant policy and
support its implementation. - To act as a collective voice for its members on behalf of environmental education and education for sustainable development.
Working Group Members
- Anne Cahill (RSPB) Co Chair
- Mark O’Connor (Field Studies Ireland) Co Chair
- Brian Poots (NI Forest Schools Association)
- Catilin Quinn (Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)
- Karen Kerr (Queens University Belfast)
- Leah O’Neill (Architectural Heritage Fund)
- Michael Cross (Education Authority NI)
- Melanie Mulligan (Council for Curriculum Examinations & Assessments)
- Natalie McLucas (Education Authority NI)
- Steve McCready (Live Here Love Here)
- Tammi Lowe (National Trust)
- Maia Taylor (DAERA) Observer
Every year, the Forum runs Education for Sustainable Development events with a range of partners at festivals and across Northern Ireland. These are delivered by ESDF for the benefit of our members and network. They consist of a range of learning opportunities, including workshops, talks, training, development and hands-on learning in environmental education and various aspects of the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
The Forum holds one conference per year to explore topical aspects of environmental education. The Conference is open to all members and interested parties, groups and individuals. A report is produced and shared on our website.
During the year, the Forum produces a monthly E–Newsletter, which is sent to all members and subscribers. Every school and Nursery in Northern Ireland receives the newsletter by email for free. The Newsletter is also sent to every Further Education College and University in Northern Ireland.
The Newsletter provides the most up-to-date ESD information directly to your inbox. This free resource includes news, events, training, opportunities, funding and resources.
The forum will comprise of members from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors with a stakeholder interest in environmental education, education for sustainable development and sustainable development goals.
To support educators, statutory agencies, NGOS communities and individuals to understand the importance of Education for Sustainable Development in all aspects of daily and community life.
Contact:
Beth Frazer
Area Lead – Education for Sustainable Development
Northern Ireland Environment Link
22-24 Lombard Street
Belfast
BT1 1RD
Email: beth@nienvironmentlink.org
Interested in becoming a member?
The key aspect of NIEL membership is the facility for co–ordinated action, a shared agenda and strong voice for environmental protection.
