Network
The strength of the network lies in collaboration across different levels. The Centre for Environmental Awareness and Education Development (KAKK) supports this collaboration by connecting stakeholders, gathering and sharing information, and helping to ensure a well-coordinated and cohesive network.
Environmental education in Estonia is a diverse and wide-ranging field, encompassing both formal and non-formal education and involving a broad range of organisations and partners.
Formal education currently reaches approximately 1,000 schools and kindergartens, while around 160 environmental education centres operate in the non-formal education sector. The field also benefits from the contributions of institutional partners, including professional associations, universities, development organisations and communities.
Estonia's environmental awareness and education network operates as a collaborative system in which educational institutions, environmental education centres, government agencies and communities work together to foster environmental awareness and encourage environmentally responsible choices throughout society.
The role of the Centre for Environmental Awareness and Education Development is to connect, guide and strengthen this network by establishing a coherent communication framework that helps translate knowledge into attitudes and behaviour.
The network is a dynamic and active ecosystem, bringing together a wide range of valuable activities, developments and initiatives. At the same time, the field is inherently fragmented, involving numerous stakeholders, topics and approaches.
National-level partners include the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Education and Research, government agencies working in the field of environmental awareness, professional associations, universities and other organisations. These partners play a strategic role in guiding and supporting environmental awareness and education in Estonia.
The Centre supports the national network by:
- Providing support for the strategic coordination of environmental awareness and education, strengthening shared messages, and implementing national programmes and initiatives.
- Contributing to policymaking and strategic development plans by identifying opportunities to better integrate education, environmental and climate policies, and providing insights into developments, needs and impacts across the sector.
- Offering a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration and access to international best practices and cooperation networks.
Regional partners include environmental education centres, educational institutions, youth networks, local governments, communities and other organisations. These partners play a key role in delivering environmental education and awareness-raising activities at the local and regional levels.
The Centre supports the regional network by:
- Supporting the establishment and development of local and thematic networks, including youth and community networks, and providing practical assistance for environmental education activities through access to methodologies, educational materials and training.
- Creating opportunities to participate in joint projects and programmes, and facilitating collaboration with organisations and networks in other regions.
- Increasing the visibility and recognition of regional initiatives, while providing opportunities for local partners to share their experiences and needs at the national level.