This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Funding doubles for eco schools
19/01/2005
School pupils across Scotland will take a leading role
in protecting the environment thanks to extra funding
announced today.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie doubled his
department's pledge to the Eco Schools programme from
£50,000 to £100,000 in each of the next three years. This
complements £125,000 from the Education Department per year
in the same period.
The Eco Schools programme is an award scheme that
encourages young people to take action on the environment
and to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Mr Finnie said:
"Scottish Ministers are committed to protecting and
enhancing the environment. Our children can play a key role
in educating adults about the environmental impacts of our
actions.
"The Eco School programme is central to the work we are
doing to raise that awareness.
"The Eco School curriculum can help to demonstrate the
small changes and individual actions that can result in
large cumulative benefits to the environment and the many
species it supports.
"This additional funding will encourage more pupils
across Scotland to learn at first hand the difference they
can make to the environment and become more responsible
citizens."
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"The eco schools initiative helps young people develop
environmental awareness and encourages them to take
responsibility for their surroundings. This extra money
will build on the investment we have already made and help
more schools win their Green Flags."
Eco Schools is an established international programme
which encourages positive attitudes and actions towards the
environment.
Around half of Scottish schools, 1,673 schools, take
part in the programme.
The number of Primary and Secondary schools within a
Local Authority participating in the Eco Schools award, or
similar accredited environmental award, has been included
as a performance measure under the National Priorities in
Education- Priority 4 Values and Citizenship.
Schools work through an award scheme eventually gaining
a 'Green Flag' which is flown outside the school. Pupils
address issues such as:
- Litter
- Waste Minimisation
- Energy
- Water
- Transport
- Health and well-being
- School grounds
The years 2005 to 2014 have been designated as the UN
Decade of Sustainable Development in Education. Eco
Schools form part of Scotland's participation in this
Decade. More details about the Decade can be found at:
http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=27234&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html