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Table of Contents
Overview
Bangladesh, home to the biodiverse Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, faces significant threats from climate change and land development. In response, the country has made notable progress in environmental policy and climate adaptation efforts to safeguard its natural resources. Bangladesh is making significant strides in integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into its national education system, aligning with global efforts to prepare future generations for climate resilience and environmental stewardship. With strong policy frameworks like the National Environment Policy 2018 and initiatives such as the Greening Education Partnership, the country has demonstrated a commitment to embedding sustainability principles in educational institutions. The inclusion of environmental education in curricula, teacher training, and community engagement programs further strengthens this commitment.
As Bangladesh aims to bring 50% of its educational institutions under the Greening Education Programme by 2030, the collaboration between government agencies, international organizations, and local stakeholders will be crucial. By fostering environmental literacy, encouraging community participation, and implementing innovative sustainability models, Bangladesh is well-positioned to build a future where education serves as a powerful tool for climate action and sustainable development.
Policy & Practice
National Legislation
The National Environment Policy 2018, formulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh. This policy identifies "Education and Mass Awareness" as a key sector, encompassing goals such as:
- Enhancing awareness about environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
- Disseminating environmental knowledge through media and educational systems.
- Encouraging community participation in environmental management.
- Incorporating environmental topics in training programs for public and private sector including industrial and commercial workers.
- Promoting research and technology for sustainable use of natural resources.
- Ensuring consideration of environmental issues in research and development agendas. (see National Conservation Strategy: Education and Awareness for more information)
The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy (2021−2036) released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2021 identifies environmental education and awareness as an important sector for implementing the country’s conservation strategy and identifies several environmental education-related action items. These action items include updating curricula at all education levels to include courses on environmental science and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystem. The strategy plan also calls for tertiary education institutions to establish faculties of environmental science and foster multidisciplinary approaches to environmental education with other faculties. Other initiatives include plans for tailored, community-based environmental education and awareness programmes in partnership with non-government, private, professional groups and local communities.
EE in K-12 Education
Environmental education topics were previously included in subjects such as general science and social science, which are taught at primary and secondary levels. In 2013, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board of Bangladesh launched a revised curriculum and new textbook focused on ESD, particularly in the "Bangladesh and Global Studies" course. The curriculum aims to relate topics to real-life scenarios and foster humanistic values among students. Earlier, teaching about the environment was largely limited to the physical sciences, such as physical aspects of water, air, and soil, but the new curriculum and textbook have expanded the scope of environment education topics (see National Conservation Strategy: Education and Awareness for more information).
The Greening Education Partnership (GEP) was launched at the UN Transforming Education Summit in September 2022 as a global initiative to deliver strong, coordinated, and comprehensive action to support countries to accelerate education responses to prepare every learner to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to tackle climate change and to promote sustainable development. GEP aims to ‘get every learner climate-ready’ through 4 pillars of action: Greening Schools; Greening Curriculum; Greening Teacher Training, and Education System’s Capacities and Greening Communities. Bangladesh is one of the first signatory countries in the GEP, and as such, it is committed to bringing 50% of educational institutions under the Greening Initiative by 2030. Programmes that have gained significant momentum in Bangladesh include Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment.
As the national operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) programmes, including Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE), Probha Aurora is dedicated to ensuring their successful implementation. Through its Eco-Schools and YRE programmes, the organization fosters environmental awareness and empowers students to lead sustainability initiatives in their communities. For more details, visit YRE Bangladesh, Eco-Schools Bangladesh.
Leadership
National EE campaigns and funding
In Bangladesh, environmental education programs are largely funded by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Probha Aurora is a youth-focused, climate-sensitive, sustainable green enterprise committed to promoting environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development in Bangladesh. The organization collaborates closely with indigenous communities in Bandarban and various climate-vulnerable areas across the country, addressing unique environmental challenges through education and action. Probha Aurora empowers young people to spearhead initiatives such as the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge (TTPC), a global campaign led by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to combat plastic pollution. More information about TTPC is available here.
Additionally, Probha Aurora implements several key initiatives that integrate elements of environment and climate education. These include the Sabuj Sathi Model, which focuses on eco-friendly and lifestyle-changing products; the Restoration Model, aimed at ecosystem rehabilitation; the Eco Food Operations initiative that promotes safe, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food while fostering a culture of sustainability; and the Zero Waste and Circular Economy Model, which educates climate-vulnerable communities about zero waste practices and the principles of a circular economy through Black Soldier Fly farming. Each of these initiatives underscores Probha Aurora's commitment to fostering climate and environmental education and empowering youth to take informed action against climate change.
Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS) focused on community capacity-building for sustainable resource use, it runs innovative educational projects like the Sundarbans Mangrove Education Project and a number of educational board games and books for students of various grade levels that provide a fun way to learn about the country’s biodiversity and environmental threats. Their flagship project, “Eco Village in Bangladesh,” emphasizes eco-friendly solutions, such as solar power and sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. Their work in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation makes them leaders in fostering community-driven environmental solutions.
Prokriti O Jibon (Nature and Life) Foundation, an NGO focused on conservation and natural resource management in Bangladesh, collaborated with Build Bangladesh on an “intergenerational intervention program” to build environmental literacy by integrating environmental education into the mainstream public-school curricula.
Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS) focuses on disaster risk reduction, food security, and sustainable resource management in disaster-prone areas. CNRS strategies work as safeguard to local communities from climate-induced threats such as flooding and cyclones. Their projects cover food security, biodiversity conservation, and governance, ensuring that local populations have the tools and knowledge to manage their natural resources sustainably. The NGO’s focus on eco-friendly agriculture, fisheries, and water management techniques is vital in mitigating the impacts of climate change on rural communities. CNRS plays a crucial role in building climate resilience across Bangladesh by fostering local partnerships and promoting sustainable development.
Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) advocates against pollution and promotes zero-waste initiatives, significantly impacting environmental sustainability. ESDO has been a key player in environmental advocacy in Bangladesh since its founding. It has made significant progress in combating pollution, particularly through campaigns aimed at eliminating harmful chemicals, such as lead in paints and mercury in dental products. They are also leaders in addressing Bangladesh's plastic waste crisis, having organized the country's first plastic-free national fair. Additionally, ESDO promotes zero-waste communities and effective e-waste management, contributing to notable reductions in pollution nationwide. Their extensive public awareness campaigns educate citizens about the dangers of plastic and toxic chemicals. Through various projects and partnerships, ESDO has established itself as a prominent advocate for environmental sustainability and public health in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) is a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge to address environmental challenges. Since its inception, BYEI has focused on raising awareness about the climate crisis and promoting sustainable practices among youth.Their initiatives include the Earth Champions Program, which educates university students on environmental stewardship, and the National Earth Olympiad, a unique competition aimed at igniting interest in earth sciences among high school students. BYEI's grassroots strategy combines education, advocacy, and leadership training, ensuring that young people are well-equipped to tackle future environmental issues. By engaging schools and universities nationwide, BYEI has fostered a network of passionate young environmental advocates who actively contribute to Bangladesh's sustainability goals.
Works for Green Bangladesh (WGB) is a grassroots youth organization promoting advocacy and education on climate issues through various initiatives. WGB is dedicated to grassroots advocacy and research to combat the climate crisis. The organization focuses on educating young people about environmental issues and empowering them to create sustainable change. It organizes tree-planting campaigns, waste management initiatives, and climate change awareness programs. Their strong emphasis on youth engagement and community activism has mobilized a new generation of environmental advocates in Bangladesh, positioning WGB as a vital player in the country’s sustainability movement.
Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU), founded in 2015, tackles vital environmental challenges through multidimensional projects. With extensive resources including a workforce of over 1,200 individuals across 218 offices, BONDHU exerts powerful impacts to address critical environmental challenges.
Bangladesh Poribesh Unnayan Sangstha (Bangladesh POUSH) ran a nature awareness program in 50 non‐formal primary schools (which served as feeder schools into government-run schools) in which they led teacher training and guides for nature walks, organized field trips to zoos and botanical gardens, and developed a curriculum and educational materials with the input of teachers so it could be adopted by the government-run schools.
Additional reports
Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development pilot study: This study was the first to develop a national baseline scenario for Bangladesh regarding the impacts of climate change and disasters on the education sector.
Country Initiative on Education for Sustainable Development: Bangladesh 2024: Bangladesh submitted this report to UNESCO, outlining progress and strategies for achieving ESD goals by 2030, including policy integration, a Green School Programme, and global collaborations.
Country Map