This book presents essential learning approaches. It introduces educational and training activities, as well as various innovative methods aiming at the development of practical skills, in order to strengthen the continuous process of environmental education, and in particular the education for sustainable development (ESD). In doing so, it focuses on three dimensions (social, economic and environmental) as a means of achieving an effective change of behaviour and "tries to bridge the gap between science and environmental education by describing a set of projects, initiatives and field activities". A special emphasis is put on teacher training programmes, conception, and implementation, highlighting the problems and barriers, which prevent development as far as integration of sustainability issues in higher education is concerned.

This book contains the keynote papers delivered at the First World Environmental Education Congress (FWEEC) held in Espinho, Portugal in May, 2003. The FWEEC gathered participants from 38 countries, offering an international platform for educators, scientists, researchers, scholars, politicians, technicians, activists, media and teachers to present and debate world wide issues in environmental education. The themes it deals with include environmental policies and education, media and communication, environmental activism and citizenship, local activities, sustainable agriculture and tourism, economics and sustainability, communication, evaluation techniques, teacher training and general aspects of research. The papers offer an up-dated overview of various trends related to international environmental education, including aspects of research, teaching and project based work. Due to its nature and international scope, this publication is of special interest to educators, scientists, researchers, politicians, technicians, environment activists, teachers and others, interested in the ways environmental education is seen and practiced all over the world.