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Environmental Education for Sustainable

Development Master Plan

2008-2012

Introduction

Environmental education for sustainable development (EESD) has been a matter
of interest at the international level for over a decade, starting with the adoption of
“Agenda 21”, a global guideline for actions to achieve a balance between development
and environmental conservation. This has subsequently led to the drafting of the ASEAN
Environmental Educational Action Plan. In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly
resolved to declare 2005-2014 “the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable
Development”.

Thailand had drafted an Environmental Education Master Plan and Action Plan
(1997-2001), which was regarded as its first and only document to set down a guideline
to promote and develop environmental education. The plan was, however, only a
proposed guideline for implementation. The Department of Environmental Quality
Promotion under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, therefore, deems it
necessary to draft an Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (EESD)
Master Plan for the years 2008-2012 to serve as a frame of reference for agencies
concerned to prepare action plans as well as draft budget proposals to support the

development of EESD.

Concept of Environmental Education for Sustainable Development

EESD refers to a learning process and dissemination of knowledge on the

environment and the relationship between the environment and economic and social
development. Such knowledge and skills are fundamental for peaceful and sustainable
livelihood in all communities, societies, countries and the world. EESD should lead to the

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