A YOUNG REPORTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN A ECOCAMPUS

Abstract

Institutions: Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra – IPC – Portugal; Centro Universitário Araguaia – Brasil; Universidade Fernando Pessoa - Portugal

Background: Young Reporters for the Environment empowers young people to have their say on environmental issues in their locality which they feel are not being adequately addressed. It gives them an outlet for their frustrations and a platform from which to make a difference. An EcoCampus provides a framework to guide higher education institutions on their sustainable journey, involving everyone to become forward thinkers and lead the way towards sustainable development.  

Aim: Through an inclusive and action-based approach universities and students get involved, show commitment and engage for positive change.

Methods: The Steps Methodology, in a EcoCampus (7 steps) and Young Reporters  for the Environment (4 steps) programs, are a blueprint of action for Sustainable Development.

Results: The higher education institutions encompass a wide array of disciplines, they have a great impact on sustainable development through research, innovation, education and organisational decision making.  Indeed, we observe it can be said, that the SDGs -  Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved without tertiary level educational institutions.

Conclusion(s): Young Reporters for the Environment and the EcoCampus programs are the support to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, providing quality education as fundamental step towards sustainable development in order to raise awareness and give everyone the opportunity to learn in an integrative environment.

The Young Reporters for the Environment and the EcoCampus programs are not just an economic model to lower costs, it is also a humanistic models that places the students and stakeholders at the centre of a process of change towards sustainability, connecting them to the real issues in their communities.

Presenter e-mail: heldersimoes@estescoimbra.pt; fernando.moreira@estescoimbra.pt