European principles of environmental education: institutional support and regulatory framework

Abstract

The article examines the regulatory and legal international documents that define the
directions of education for sustainable development in the European and Ukrainian educational space.
It is established that education plays a key role in overcoming the environmental crisis and the development of society. It creates the conditions for the formation of environmental awareness in generations capable of effectively using the country’s potential for the benefit of their people, the European and world community. Education also contributes to changing consumer habits and shaping environmentally responsible behavior in the everyday life of every citizen.
It is found that environmental education for sustainable development is based on the conceptual foundations defined in the document «UNECE Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development», adopted at a high-level meeting of representatives of the ministries of environment and education.
Methodological approaches to the interpretation of the concepts of «sustainable development» and «sustainability» development» are considered.
A number of special documents defining the directions of education for sustainable development are outlined.
It is noted that environmental education is a key element of the modern educational system aimed at forming environmental awareness, a culture of sustainable consumption and the development of civic values. In Ukraine, there is an active introduction of the environmental component into the educational process through the integration of courses on ecology and sustainable development into the curriculum, as well as the creation of specialized faculties and educational programs of environmental orientation.
It is established that in Ukraine there is an active implementation of the environmental component in the educational process through the integration of courses on ecology and sustainable development into the curriculum, as well as the creation of specialized faculties and educational programs in the environmental field. Higher education institutions of Ukraine cooperate with public organizations and scientific institutions, which contributes to the development of applied research in the field of ecology and the effective implementation of the results of scientific activities in educational practice.
It is emphasized that special attention should be paid to promoting interconnected learning that integrates the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development, with a special emphasis on the environmental component.
At the same time, it has been proven that the international community pays considerable attention to education for sustainable development, as evidenced by numerous international documents and strategic initiatives, including those of the United Nations, the European Union, the UNECE, and UNESCO.
Ukraine, actively integrating into the international educational space, is introducing the principles of sustainable development into its own education system. Particular attention is paid to the formation of environmental awareness among the younger generation, the development of a culture of careful attitude to nature, and the education of environmentally responsible citizens capable of acting in the interests of the sustainable future of the country and the planet as a whole.