Mexico

Category(s):

Overview

Mexico is home to thriving environmental education efforts. Mexico's Center for Training and Education for Sustainable Development promotes environmental education programs for all levels and areas of education. Mexico is working to integrate environmental education into all levels of its National Education System, increase the availability of environmental education resources for state and municipal programs, promote and strengthen environmental education organizations and networks, develop new educational materials, design and implement models for environmental education certification at schools, and develop communication strategies for more effectively reaching youth through education. Non-profits like CICEANA compliment these efforts through their award winning programs including environmental education programming at their centers, educational infomercials on the Mexican TV Channel, and leading green roof projects. These efforts contribute greatly to Mexico's overall national strategy for environmental education, which outlines ethical principles, strategic approaches, and important target groups for achieving their vision for sustainability by 2040.

Policy & Practice

EE in K-12 Education

The Centre for Training and Education for Sustainable Development (CTESD), under the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), is working to integrate EE into all levels of the National Education System, including formal and nonformal education. In the formal sector, CTESD is engaged in activities such as promoting school environmental management and developing educational materials for use in schools. The Center for Environmental Education and Communication (CICEANA) also offers comprehensive environmental education programming for primary schools.

Professional Development

The Centre for Training and Education for Sustainable Development (CTESD) is engaged in research examining the formation of specialized environmental educators. CTESD envisions environmental educators as playing an indispensable role in fostering education for sustainability. Under CTESD’s 2040 strategic goals, the institution prioritizes the training of specialized environmental educators. Organizations such as the Center for Environmental Education and Communication (CICEANA) offer professional learning opportunities, including lectures, workshops, conferences, and programmatic support in areas such as the design and installation of school gardens, green roofs, organic agriculture, and ecotechnology.

Leadership

Professional Associations

The Center for Environmental Education and Communication (CICEANA) is an affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).

EE in the National Government

Centre for Training and Education for Sustainable Development (CTESD), under the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), is responsible for supporting environmental education in Mexico.

National EE Campaigns and Funding

The Center for Training and Education for Sustainable Development allocates some funds for environmental education activities. Nongovernmental organizations such as CICEANA, a local NGO recognized by the Mexican government for its successful work in promoting EE, receive support from a variety of public and private sponsors.