The document discusses the International Thematic Networks of Environmental Education coordinated by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN). It describes the Learning About Forests (LEAF) program, which involves collaboration between schools in Greece and other countries on environmental education projects related to forests. Through activities like teacher training, tree planting, and educational resources, LEAF aims to increase awareness of forest and climate change issues. An international seminar was held in Athens to develop educational materials for the LEAF program across multiple countries in Southeast Europe.

1. The International Thematic Networks of
Environmental Education in Greece
The case of LEAF Program
Dr Dimitrios Gkotzos
Environmental Education Officer, Athens B Directorate of
Primary Education. Ministry of Education, Research and
Religious Affairs
President of the Hellenic LEAF Coordinating Committee

2. The Thematic Networks of Environmental Education
(supervised by the Ministry of Education, Research & Religious Affairs)
Collaboration among schools in various
areas, that implement Environmental
Education (E.E.) projects of similar content
Support of E.E. projects (pedagogical and
academic)
Development of educational resources
Organization of teacher training seminars
and school visits
Thematic
Networks of
E.E.
Local or
Regional
National International

3. The International Thematic Networks of
Environmental Education
International
collaboration
Promotion of
ministerial
policy at
international
level
Directorates of Primary
& Secondary
Education,
Environmental
Education Centers,
Local Government
institutions, Non-profit,
Non-governmental
Environmental
Organizations
National Coordinating
Committees
-President: Officer from a
regional department of
the Ministry of
Education
-Representative from the
Ministry (Department of
Environmental
Education) and other
stakeholders

4. The International Thematic Networks of Environmental Education
coordinated by HSPN
International
Coordinator: FEE
(Foundation for
Environmental
Education)
National Operator: HSPN
(Hellenic Society for the
Protection of Nature)
(the oldest environmental
NGO in Greece)
National Coordinators:
Directorates of Primary
or Secondary Education
Coordinating Committees: HSPN
representatives & stakeholders of the
Ministry of Education, Research and
Religious Affairs (Environmental
Education Officers, School Advisors,
School Principals, Directors of
Environmental Education Centers)
Primary and Secondary
Schools (state and
private) throughout the
whole country
Any action of the Networks
receives approval from the
Ministry (meetings of the
Committee, teacher training
seminars etc.)
Submission of a detailed report
every year.
http://eepf.gr/en

5. Learning about Forests –
Teacher training
Educational
activities in
forests
Educational
activities in forests
Environmental
awareness, practice
and attitudes on
issues related to
the forest
Training seminars
in forests
Summer schools

6. Learning about Forests –
Tree and seed planting activities
Τree &
seed
planting
Enhancement
of forest
resources
Enhancement
of biodiversity
Demonstration
of active
citizenship
Environmental
protection and
management

7. The LEAF award
Special award
ceremonies every 2
years
Schools that have
successfully
implemented the
program
Fieldwork bag, which
includes instruments
and tools useful for
fieldwork activities in
the forest

8. Learning about Forests –
Educational resources
Theoretical and practical information (e.g suggestions of activities)
on Forest Education

9. Learning about Forests –
Treasure hunt game
Poster
Tool of
learning and
action
Searching
and finding
Adventurous
story, legend,
fantastic
journey
Forest ecosystem,
interaction
between natural
and human
relationships
Adjustable (player’s
number, age-
experience,
location,
climatological
conditions)

10. Hellenic LEAF Coordinating Committee
President: Dr Dimitrios Gkotzos, Environmental Education Officer, Athens B Directorate of Primary
Education.
Vice President: Sofia Kainourgiou, Member of the HSPN Board
Secretary: Panagiotis Mpegetis, Principal of the 4th Athens School Laboratory Center
Τreasurer: Marianna Hatzimichail, Principal of the 13th Primary School of Halandri
Members: Marina Papageorgiou, Department of Environmental Education, Ministry of Education,
Research and Religious Affairs.
Stamatis Skampardonis, Primary School Teacher, 8th Primary School of Glyfada. Vice
President of the HSPN Board
Dr Sofia Pedrikari, School Advisor, 51st Prefecture of Preschool Education
Varvara Petridou, Environmental Education Officer, Athens B Directorate of Secondary
Education.
Alexandra Koskolou, Κindergarten Teacher, 1st Kindergarten of Melissia

11. Forest Action for Climate Change Mitigation
BULGARIAN BLUE FLAG
MOVEMENT
CYPRUS MARINE
ENVIRONMENT
PROTECTION
ASSOCIATION
CARPATHIAN-DANUBIAN
CENTRE OF GEOECOLOGY

12. Forest Action for Climate Change Mitigation
-Τhe thematic areas
Forest and Biodiversity
Bulgaria
Forest Fires
Cyprus
Forest and CO2
Greece
Forest and Energy
Romania
Forest and
climate change
Climate change is one of the greatest threats humankind has known.
Forests can be part of the solution.

13. Forest Action for Climate Change Mitigation
The program
Educational
activities
• Designed and
piloted by a
team of 24
teachers
• Late primary
and early
secondrary
education (ages
10-15)
Ecocode
• Poster, text
(catchy and
creative slogans),
song, poem
• Environmental
attitude and
ecological
behaviour
Action Day
• Promotion
and information
actions
• School and local
community

14. Day 1
The theoretical
framework and
presentations from
the participating
countries
Day 2
Visit to the EEC of
Elefsina
Fieldwork in the
city of Elefsina and
in a mountain forest
Day 3
Working group for
educational material
Interviews
Forest Action for Climate Change Mitigation
International seminar, Athens 24-26/11

15. Concluding remarks -
Implications - Recommendations
Educating for
forests’
contribution to
climate change
adaptation and
mitigation
Our response to
SDG’s 4, 13 & 15
After piloting,
large-scale
implementation
in the
participating
countries
Presentation at
the next NOM
as an example
of regional
collaboration
within LEAF
Educational
material in
English -
available to all
LEAF countries