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Table of Contents
Overview
In collaboration with the Nepal National Commission for UNESCO, Nepal has developed a national Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) strategy. Environmental education is also present within formal and nonformal education through Environment, Population, and Health Studies within the national curriculum, as well as through learning opportunities through organizations such as the Centre for Environment Education Nepal (CEEN). Although Nepal does not have a dedicated government office for environmental education, and recent challenges have limited efforts to sustain EE/ESD at a national level, some environmental education activities are supported by the government and international organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Policy & Practice
National Legislation
Nepal has a national Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) strategy, which was formulated with the help of the Nepal National Commission for UNESCO.
EE in K-12 Education
Since 2000, Environment, Population and Health Studies has been a compulsory curricular area up to class ten (age 16). Previously, it was mandatory up to class six (age 12). In addition, there is optional teaching of environmental education up to class 12 (age 18).
Professional Development
Nepal does not have its own certification program for environmental educators. Some organizations, such as the Centre for Environment Education Nepal (CEEN) offer EE/ESD training opportunities for teachers and students. Generally, however, environmental educators engage in professional development through personal initiative and private studies. Efforts are currently underway to form a national group for environmental educators.
Leadership
Professional Associations
Nepal does not have a dedicated professional association for environmental education. However, Nepal is home to several environmental groups that seek to create environmental awareness and act as watchdogs. Nepal also has linkages to international groups working on environmental education such as UNESCO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
EE in the National Government
Although Nepal’s national government does not have an office specifically dedicated to environmental education, some environmental education activities do occur at the government level.
National EE Campaigns and Funding
In the presence of a number of challenges for Nepal’s education system, including damage to schooling facilities following a major earthquake in 2015, as well as national teacher shortages, environmental education has not found long-term sustainability at a national level. Government and international funding to support EE/ESD programs is limited. However, strong and continued funding for EE/ESD projects is highly recommended.
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