Mission and Goals

The GEEP works to connect the people and organizations working to strengthen environmental education around the world. Our goal is to highlight EE efforts at various levels and showcase the networks that help link practice and innovation.

Country Profiles

Country profiles highlight EE efforts happening at the national level, focused on the policies and practices of that country, as well as leaders in the field working in that country. These are quick snapshots of what’s happening in the EE landscape and will be updated over time as things change. View the map and learn how to submit a new country profile.

eePRO Global

eePRO is an online community to connect environmental education professionals from around the world to each other and to the most effective professional development resources available in our field. Anyone can join eePRO, and by joining, you gain access to job opportunities, webinars, online courses, workshops, and a variety of resources. You can also post resources, events, jobs, and other opportunities. The eePRO Global group is designed to curate resources geared towards a global audience. Visit eePRO Global.

Environmental education initiatives are taking place throughout the world to create change at all levels—and helping to create a more environmentally literate and civically engaged society. From focusing on issues (e.g., air pollution, water quality, loss of biodiversity, energy use, climate change and community resiliency) to engaging people in the political process to forming strategic partnerships, GEEP is looking to highlight good practices so that we can learn from each other, replicate and share learnings, and continue to advance our collective work in environmental education. 

EE in Action: Case studies of effective practice

Cultural contexts, geographies, and environmental and social issues differ; however, there is much to be learned from what is happening in environmental education around the world. The GEEP case study collection aims to share effective practice with a focus on key lessons learned that can be adapted in a variety of contexts.

EE and the SDGs

Environmental Education (EE) plays an important role in helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are designed to protect the planet, end poverty, address climate change, and help ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda, with specific targets to be achieved through 2030. 

EE most closely aligns with SDG 4.7: by 2030 ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.  However, EE plays an important role in building bridges between several SDGs. Strong EE programs incorporate the triple bottom line; in other words, they incorporate social, economic, and environmental issues. To learn more about EE in action as it contributes to the SDGs, search through the GEEP case study collection, which is organized according to SDG.

Global Call to Action

In October 2017, and in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Tbilisi Declaration, the GEEP launched a Call to Action to gather feedback on priorities for the field of environmental education over the next decade and beyond. To spark discussion, the GEEP identified ten potential actions environmental educators, collectively, could take to advance our shared goals. Participants demonstrated support for all 10 suggested actions, and offered a rich diversity of perspectives on what steps we might take to achieve them. We heard from a number of colleagues about an interest in marking this milestone with a pledge or commitment to build on the great work that's been done and think ahead to the future. To that end, we created the Tbilisi + 41 Pledge. We encourage everyone to learn more about the Call to Action here and sign the pledge here.

The GEEP is committed to developing leaders who have the 21st-century skills required to address the complex sustainability challenges we face. We work to strengthen the leadership pipeline to enable environmental education change-makers to develop and succeed. To accomplish this, we provide awards and professional development opportunities, and serve as a convener to bring the brightest environmental education minds together. 

Youth Innovation Challenge 

In 2021, we launched the Youth Innovation Challenge, a program in partnership between GEEP and the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA). Each year, the Youth Innovation Challenge invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose a solution to address marine issues, using environmental education as a key element, and awards three winners with a $1,000 and global recognition. Learn more about the Youth Innovation Challenge >

EE 30 Under 30

Since 2016, EE 30 Under 30 has recognized 30 individuals every year from around the world who are making a difference through environmental education. The program works to shine a spotlight on the inspiring next generation of leaders, and support them with a network, resources, and other professional development opportunities to advance their careers. The alumni span a wide range of countries, sectors, and environmental issues. This program is made possible by the GEEP, North American Association for Environmental Education, and U.S. Forest Service.

In 2022, drawing on the EE 30 Under 30 model and with support from the GEEP and NAAEE, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful launched the Northern Ireland 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers program—the first of its kind existing in the UK—to empower and engage young people making a difference for the environment. Learn more about the NI 30 Under 30 >

Convening Thought Leaders

The GEEP hosts in-person meetings throughout the year to convene environmental education thought leaders around specific topics. Through an annual GEEP Advisory Group meeting held in a different region each year, Advisors work to advance the GEEP’s strategic priorities. Advisors and other invited delegates also meet during the international NAAEE Annual Conference to discuss key environmental education issues and promote collaboration and networking. All meetings are by invitation only.

To promote innovation through a Global EE Think Tank, the GEEP:

• Promotes new ideas and ways to advance the field, which could include innovative campaigns, cutting-edge webinars, speed talks, crowdsourcing, and other professional development opportunities for GEEP members.
• Explores collaborative strategies to create a diversified funding stream to sustain the GEEP and support our collective work.
• Recognizes excellence in global EE (i.e., EE 30 Under 30 and other awards).