The document summarizes environmental education in Estonia. It outlines that the Environmental Board oversees environmental management and education initiatives in the country through its 20 specialists. In 2010, over 1000 environmental education programs were provided to 23,000 participants in schools and kindergartens, and over 200 activities reached 14,500 adult participants. It also describes the role of the State Forest Management Centre and various nature centers, houses, schools and gardens in providing environmental education and recreation opportunities. Challenges are that visiting nature centers is optional for schools and cooperation between the ministries of education and environment could be improved.

1. Nature management and environmental education in Estonia Environmental Board 2011

2. Environmental management in Estonia

3. Some facts about the situation of environmental education (EE) in Estonia

5. Environmental Board- formed in 2009 Environmental Education Department- 20 specialists cover all regions in Estonia Programmes for schools and kindergartens- in 2010 more than 1000 programmes were given for 23000 participants Acitivities for adults- in 2010 more than 200 acitivites for 14500 participants were arranged Environmental roundtables are assembled 2 environmental regional conferences were held in 2010

6. Nature centres of Environmental Board

7. The State Forest Management Centre (RMK) RMK maintains, grows and manages the Estonian state forest RMK provides hiking opportunities in 13 recreation areas, 5 national parks and approximately 40 other protected areas. The 17 nature centres and 5 nature houses of RMK provide information and activities

8. Nature centres of RMK

9. Ministry of Education and Research National Basic School and Upper Secondary School Curriculum cross- cutting theme “ Environment and Sustainable Development”; Preschool Curriculum cross- cutting theme “Me and Environment” New approach- inquiry learning

10. Nature Houses Tartu Environmental Education Centre Pärnu Nature House Nature House of Nõmme in Tallinn Tallinn Hobby Centre “Kullo” Tallinn Zoological Gardens; Tallinn Botanic Garden LOCAL AUTHORITIES

11. NON-GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES Estonian Fund for Nature www.elfond.ee - Nature Schools (2) Regional Environmental Centre - Estonia www.recestonia.ee Estonian Green Movement HARED .....

12. The problems in environmental education in Estonia Visiting nature centres is not part of the school curriculum: it is optional and not supported by school budget The work of many the nature centres and schools is project –based There is not yet development plan of environmental education in Estonia The cooperation between the 2 ministries (Education and Environment) is weak

13. Nature centres in southern Estonia

14. Thank you!