WHAT IS ECO-LITERACY

The development of Ecological Literacy is a vital life-skill for every human being to live in harmony on and with the planet. It relates to being able to comprehend and apply the principles of organization of ecosystems for creating sustainable human communities. Eco-literacy is therefore a pre-requirement for achieving ecological sustainability, and a critical skill that politicians, business leaders, and professionals in all spheres should develop for our planetary wellbeing. It should also be the most important part of education at all levels – from primary and secondary schools to universities, and the continuing education and training of professionals. For more information about our Eco-Literacy Research Project click here.

WHO THIS IS FOR

• Schools – ‘Developing Ecological Literacy Competencies in Schools’. For an example click here to see our current programme with Bureau de l’Education Catholique.
• Businesses – As part of our business strategies for corporate sustainability we train organisations in becoming eco-literate.
• General Public – Around March of 2012 ELIA will be starting to conduct introductory trainings in Eco-Literacy for the general public.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN OUR ECO-LITERACY TRAINING PROGRAM

Module 1 – Ecological Footprint Analysis (EFA) – you learn how to quantify the ecological impacts of your activities and those of your organisation. Once impacts have been assessed, intervention measures can be tailored to lower your Ecological Footprint.

Module 2 – EcoLogic ® – introduction to Systems Thinking and System Dynamics to learn about implications of human activities within interrelated and interdependent systems. You learn about characteristics and behaviours of systems (System Archetypes), use tools like Causal Loop Diagrams to map the causal relationships between system parameters, and concepts and simple computer models applied to sustainable development challenges.

Module 3 – The EcoLiving Process ® – training in key relational practices for honouring and supporting our natural interconnectedness and interdependence. This includes the development of essential life-skills, such as reflective listening, open dialogue, natural sensitivity, responsiveness, development of an attitude of care, curiosity and commitment to learning.

OUR EXPERIENCE OF ECO-LITERACY FOR SCHOOLS

Early in 2011 we started sharing our Eco-Literacy Program with 18 secondary schools across the Island in Mauritius, in collaboration with Bureau de l’Education Catholique. It has been a very enriching experience for all the course participants and for ELIA.