Training a New Generation of Environmental Stewards in Greece

Abstract

As concerns for sustainable development rise, the need to train professionals in formal, non-formal, and informal environmental education remains a dynamic priority. Environmental education should provide trainees with sophisticated tools. The objectives include behavioral change in order to raise environmental awareness and to transform future generations into environmental stewards. Unfortunately, educators' lack of awareness and proper training on environmental issues makes it tough to proceed successfully with related projects. The distinctiveness in environmental education stems from the didactic approach and the effectiveness of environmental communication in motivating trainees' emotions. A proposed method where ecosystem services are tuned with environmental communication serves as the driving force for promoting a sustainable way of living. Based on the above, this paper presents the only Summer Academy for Environmental Educators in Greece, established by Skyros Project in 2016. Summer Academy of Environmental Educators is an environmental communication service based on Skyros Project's long-standing environmental awareness legacy. The 17 SDG Goals play an instrumental role in involved stakeholders’ profiles. The Academy equips graduates with the necessary skills to effectively communicate pertinent environmental and public health concerns. The end outcome is the enrichment of our society with committed environmental stewards, capable of championing sustainability issues.