The Foundation for Environmental Education is Partnering with the GIZ ICONE Programme to Develop Sustainable Tourism in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Improved Competitiveness of National Enterprises (ICONE) programme of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to increase sustainable tourism in Cambodia and develop an eco-certification program for the hospitality sector in the South-East Asian country.  

© GIZ

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the tourism industry is recovering fast after the pandemic, with an estimated 700 million tourists travelling internationally between January and September 2022. That equals 65% of international arrivals from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. In Asia and the Pacific, arrivals more than tripled in the first nine months of 2022 compared to 2021.

Cambodia's tourism sector is slowly recovering from the massive impact the Covid-19 pandemic had. For 2022, the Ministry of Tourism expects about 1,6 million arrivals to the Kingdom of Wonders with its unique cultural treasure Angkor Wat. Quality standards and sustainability guidelines are becoming increasingly crucial for rebuilding Cambodia's tourism industry as they can create a competitive advantage for local tourism establishments. Against this background, GIZ's ICONE private sector development program implements various measures to embed sustainable practices along the tourism value chain. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a major partner in this endeavour, providing valuable technical support and implementation know-how. Together, the two partners start a new project on 1st December 2022 to introduce two of the most prominent FEE programs to the Cambodian hospitality sector: the Eco-School Initiative and the Green Key Sustainability Certificate.

© GIZ

The Green Key Certificate and Eco-School Initiative are vital instruments to enhance awareness about sustainability among the various stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector. Under the cooperation, staff from vocational training schools, their students, and personnel and managers from the tourism and hospitality industry will be trained and supported to implement sustainability measures, including the Green Key certification. The joint project of GIZ ICONE and FEE ultimately aims to facilitate long-term structural change by, for example, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the existing school curricula. Therefore, the project will support three hospitality schools in Cambodia to modify and expand their Common ASEAN Tourism Curriculum (CATC) to integrate special courses on sustainability and climate action. The revision and adaptation of existing courses and teaching materials, together with the training of teaching staff, will ensure that up-to-date knowledge about sustainable and eco-friendly tourism is available to future generations of students and the Cambodian tourism industry at large.

Additionally, all three schools will be invited and supported to join the Eco-School Initiative. Training for teachers will be provided, and concepts, measures, and guidelines to transform into an Eco-School shall be jointly developed with FEE. The CEO of FEE, Daniel Schaffer, is excited about introducing the Eco School Initiative to Cambodia:

"Raising awareness on sustainable development and improving the strategies of the tourism and hospitality sector to develop a higher level of sustainability comes at a crucial time. It is vital to integrate climate education into national school curricula. We must ensure that everyone, both young and old, is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to deal with climate change. That goes without saying also for hospitality schools and stakeholders from the tourism sector."

At the same time, the internationally acknowledged sustainability label Green Key represents a unique opportunity for Cambodia's tourism and hospitality sector to reinvent itself as a provider of high-quality, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism products. This is why one of the hospitality schools will be qualified as a pre-auditor to consult companies from the hospitality and tourism sector on the certification requirements and help prepare for the subsequent audit by a certifying body. GIZ ICONE will support the label's introduction to the Cambodian market by screening local market demand and developing a communication strategy for sustainability certification and the Green Key program. FEE will help evaluate the applicants in Cambodia and organize workshops and conferences on sustainability in tourism and hospitality. The events will also be open to individuals and organizations from other South-East Asian countries. Dr Stefan Hanselmann, director of GIZ ICONE, points out:

"Pandemics change perceptions. Travellers are now looking for offers that focus on authenticity, adventure, nature. A sustainability-based approach will help preserve Cambodia's natural resources and tourism assets. It will give travellers an authentic experience. With FEE and its Green Key Certificate and Eco-School Initiative, we have the right partner and excellent tools to promote sustainability in Cambodia's tourism and hospitality sector.

Biodiversity Preservation in Hyvärilä Youth Centre Nurmes, Finland

Informative sign made by volunteers for visitors of the Hyvärilä Youth Centre

Using a learning-by-doing methodology, the Hyvärila Youth Centre in Nurmes, Finland hopes to promote environmental education activities for the youth of Finland and its international visitors. Most of the visitors to the centre are young people, concerned for the environment and the future of the planet. For this reason, the Youth Centre focuses on expanding its visitor’s knowledge on how individuals can contribute to nature preservation with positive sustainable actions. Sustainability is a core component of the Hyvärila Youth Centre, which holds a Green Key certification, reflecting the centre’s standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and its awareness of its own environmental impacts.

In January 2021, the Youth Centre launched its Wildflower Meadow project, which involved planting a wildflower meadow near the Youth Centre as part of a larger biodiversity preservation project. Staff from the centre, the Association of Women in Agriculture and Housekeeping of Eastern Finland, the Association for Rural Culture and Education and the Environmental School of Finland  all came together to support this initiative, providing local expertise and helping hands.

International volunteers with their insect hotels built during workshops

Planted using native Finnish species and species from the local area, the new wildflower meadow provides an excellent outdoor area for non-formal learning and is currently used to host biodiversity lessons for the youth centre visitors. Wildflower meadows are a crucial habitat for many animal species. The diversity of wildflowers provides food and shelter to hundreds of insects, including pollinators, which, in turn, supports mammals and birds. Besides the planting of a wildflower meadow, the Hyvärila Youth Centre also worked closely with the local community and youth visitors to host a series of very successful insect hotel-building workshops, which will be repeated given their popularity. While only in its second year, the project serves to promote positive actions that individuals can take to preserve the natural habitat of local pollinating species and smaller animals.

The learning activities in connection with the planting of the wildflower meadow have also been used to teach about the importance of maintaining and preserving Finnish traditions and cultural landscapes. Co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps Programme, over the next five years, the project aims to involve at least 70 local and international volunteers, teaching about how to grow meadows, and maintain them using traditional techniques. This includes learning about the use of traditional tools such as a scythe, as well as the process of haymaking. Participating in an annual flea market in North Karelia, the Youth Centre hosted an event, helping revive the Finnish tradition of “Haymaking Talkoot” – a community-based event which involves gathering local people to help complete a large task that needs doing, such as haymaking, cleaning or building something.

Launched in 2021, a programme by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a ‘rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, for the benefit of people and nature’. Local youth and community-based projects such as the one from Hyvärilä Youth Centre play an important role in maintaining and teaching about local biodiversity and ecosystems. Projects like this provide opportunities to educate youth while actively involving the local community in managing a restoration site, which is key to fostering ownership values. Overall, the restoration of such wildflower meadows is essential to helping achieve the UN Decade’s goals and combating insect and pollinator decline worldwide. If you would like to learn more about the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how you can get involved, please visit the following link.

This article is part of our UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration series which highlights the projects and activities of FEE members that contribute to the UN Decade.

Reflections on ROoT: A Letter from FEE CEO, Daniel Schaffer

In late December of 2021 I received an email from Dan Thompson:

“Dear Sir, Madam,

I’m contacting you as Director of One Run – a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in mass participation relays that change lives.”

Dan asked for a meeting to see if FEE could get involved in a relay run from COP 26 to COP 27 with the aim of promoting climate action.

Since then, much has happened. We at FEE, with the dedication, support and commitment of our incredible members and partners, have been completely immersed in getting the baton from one person to the next, all the way from Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh and with as little Co2 emissions as possible. Thousands upon thousands of runners, cyclists, sailors, school children, teachers, parents, representatives of national and regional governments, businesses, NGOs, media organisations and a very remarkable support team have made the incredible happen. Earlier this week, the baton finally arrived in Sharm El Sheikh and was officially received at COP 27 on Tuesday, November 8th.

The baton has brought with it a message to world leaders that calls for universal, quality climate education. Climate education must be recognised, resourced, and embedded in national curriculums. This is extremely important as we must ensure that everyone, both young and old, are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to deal with the challenges climate change is presenting. It is important because teachers need to be supported with the educational materials, the knowhow, and the time to provide good quality and science-based education in their classrooms. It is important because our communities and families must be engaged, informed, and committed to this cause and it is important that policy makers at all levels have the ability and are given the responsibility to make this happen. Let us hope that the message and the events we have organised to present it and discuss it at COP 27, is well received, understood, and translated into tangible actions by those who are responsible for doing so.

The relay itself holds another message that is just as important, if a bit more general. Running Out of Time is the world’s longest ever non-stop relay race. The relay baton travelled for 24 hours a day over 38 days and across 7,767 kilometres and 18 countries. The baton has successfully made this incredible journey in because so many people took action. The relay is truly a testament to what we can accomplish if we all do our part.

Climate change represents a huge and daunting challenge for humanity.  But if we all chip in, and make the necessary national and individual sacrifices, we will be able to make the change needed to reduce emissions to the levels set for us in the Paris agreement and replot our course to safer shores.

I strongly believed that FEE should not only contribute to Running Out of Time through the coordination and administration of our network and events, but that we should also devote some real sweat to the tremendous effort shared by so many. So, on behalf of FEE, I joined the sailing legs from Greece to Cyprus and from Cyprus to Israel, where I then cycled some of the stages. I met wonderful people along the way, made new friends, spoke to children and youth, and felt immensely proud of the efforts of all that were involved. But above all, I am proud of the organisation I am part of.  FEE’s President and Vice President, our Board of Directors, the FEE members, and their teams both on and off the route and my wonderful team mates at the FEE Head Office - all of whom have completely immersed themselves in this campaign from day one – you all went above and beyond to ensure that this baton not only arrived at COP 27 but that it did so delivering a call for climate education supported by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

I would like to thank incredible team behind The World Relay Ltd., the team from Carbon Copy, as well as our partners, the Office for Climate Education, the European Commission, UNESCO, NAAEE, and EarthDay Network. My sincerest thanks and gratitude for our FEE members along the route; Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Britain Tidy, GoodPlanet Belgium, the Eco-Schools, Green Key and Blue Flag teams from SME and KMVK in the Netherlands, FEE Germany, FEE Italy, Doves in Slovenia, LIJEPA NAŠA in Croatia, ECOM and the Bureau for Education Services in Montenegro, the Albanian Coast Lifeguards and Water Rescue Federation, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) Greece, CYMEPA in Cyprus and EcoOcean in Israel. And of course, to the many runners, cyclists, and thousands of Eco-Schools students and teachers from around the world who showed up and took action - we have all played our part and we all made it happen. Congratulations and thank you.

But in reality, the baton arriving in Sharm El Sheikh and all the discussions and events happening at COP 27 are only the start of this baton’s journey. Now starts the journey of making sure that the message of Running Out of Time is delivered and acted upon. We at FEE, through our five programmes and support from our global network of members, as well as many of our partners and others, will continue to create the mechanisms to deliver quality climate education, to advocate for the space and resources that are required to deliver it and monitor and evaluate the real progress and impact of these efforts. With that, I am passing on the baton to all of you with the hope that you will carry it far.       

Thank you,

Daniel Schaffer

CEO, Foundation for Environmental Education

Young Reporters on the Route: We Ran to Be Heard!

Text by Lucija Rotar, Young Reporter for the Environment, Slovenia

Photos and poster by Žiga Vaupotič, Young Repoter for the Environment, Slovenia

The high school of Jože Plečnik Ljubljana, located in the very center in the capitol of Slovenia, joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time. We decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so-called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive.

On the October 19th 2022 we joined the longest continuous climate initiative Running out of Time, which connects several European countries towards a common goal. In addition to the runners and students from the High school of Jože Plečnik, many teachers and experts have participated in the Running out of Time project, along with pupils from the Livada Elementary School and our beekeeper mentors, who contributed to the initiative with enthusiasm and joy.

Our green initiatives

We have been creating green initiatives at our school for many years now. Together we have created our school's urban roof garden seven years ago. Soon we have arranged the upper school terrace for a green shelter too. Last year, our school set up the first beehive on the terrace in order to contribute to the preservation of bees and to help increase biodiversity in the city by that. Bees teach us persistence, cooperation, exploration and coexistence. Our beekeeping slogan is "Learning with and from bees".

Running on the Bee Path

This is precisely why our team decided to participate in the Climate Run that follows the so - called ‘Bee path’ in the Municipality of Ljubljana. Trail we have chosen consists of five stops, each with its own beehive. The first was on the terrace of our high school, next one at the replica of Plečnik’s beehive on Castle hill, third stop was at the Botanical Garden, next one to the beehive at the Livada Elementary School and the last one to the beehive in the garden of architect Jože Plečnik's house. Our students of differing classes visited these locations and gained some environmental based information about each stop.

Why bees?

"The bee is an indicator to the cleanliness of an environment, as it is one of the first to feel the changes in it, so bees should be seen as "environmentalists"... We should observe bees and follow in their lead, they will guide us in the direction of a clean and healthy environment, an environment that is perfect for both bees and humans." (Boštjan Noč, President of the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia).

A group of 3rd grade high schoolers wore yellow shirts to the Climate Run event as a part of International Running out of Time. Yellow colour symbolizes bees. They ran along a trail that encompasses the fly path our bees can take from their terrace beehive. In this way, we want to symbolically commit to their way of living. Doing so we would be able to understand the interrelation of a living being and nature, using bees as an example of a strong bond between the environment and a species. In this way we could become more responsible towards the nature surrounding us.

How we ran

We started our Climate Run with a short ceremony on the school terrace in the presence of the assistant principal and students. After a musical performance done by our two students and their mentor, the student council president presented the environmental initiative Running out of Time. The project is primarily intended to raise awareness among young people about climate change and to encourage them to make a significant contribution to the environment through their actions.

Runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana on the school rooftop, where the school beehive is located - the starting point of their Climate Run on the bee path.

Students ran through the city center – this is also where the RooT Climate Baton passed Ljubljana during the night.

Towards the Ljubljana Castle hill.

After the council president’s speech surrounding the Climate Run, we also presented the message of our school. Afterwards, our runners Jaka, Gašper, Marcel, Maks, David and Balazs, carried the climate Running Out of Time Baton along the Bee trail in the Municipality of Ljubljana. They ran from the school, through the streets of the old city centre and towards the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill, where the high school students of 3.D were already awaiting them. After the Climate message was read, the runners continued their journey towards their next point, while the other students and their mentor listened to the lecturer Aleš Süssinger from the Barje Bee Association, who shed light on the importance of beekeeping and our renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Last year, Mr. Aleš led the beekeeping club at our high school, where students learned about the beekeeping profession, bees, and the importance of both on our environment.

The architect Jože Plečnik, who designed this apiary, also holds great significance, not only for our high school, after whom it is named, but also for Ljubljana and Slovenia as a whole. By designing the beehives, he substantially elevated this part of our Slovenian cultural identity and beautifully connected both art and our national cultural heritage.

In front of the replica of Plečnik's apiary on the Castle hill.

The runners continued along the Bee path towards the Botanical garden. There they were awaited by the high school students of class 3.A and their mentor. Before the arrival of the runners, an expert of botany introduced them to the role of plant pollinators and their influence on the stability of ecosystems. Established in 1810, the Ljubljana Botanical Garden is Slovenia's oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution operating uninterruptedly since its foundation. The route then led the runners to the apiary at Livada Elementary School.

Runners and classmates in front of the beehive in the Botanical Garden.

A welcome by the 3rd grade students and their teacher. At the apiary, two beekeepers talked to the youth about the role of bees and their goods. They also prepared medenjaki (honey biscuits) and honey lemonade for everyone to enjoy.

The runners also stopped at Plečnik's house in Trnovo, where they saw the beehive in the architect's garden. From there, they continued running all the way to the finish line. Participating runners showed perseverance and collective spirit from the start and all the way to the finish line on this 11 km route. The safety of the running team was ensured by two teachers of sport who accompanied them on bicycles.

A beehive in front of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik house.

I can contribute too

I am happy that I contributed to the project myself, as I created the logo that was printed on the runners' T-shirts. Since our school is known for our bees, also called ‘šubelce’ (a portmanteau of the word ‘čebelice’, meaning bees and the word ‘šuba’, a shortened version of our high school's name), I decided to depict bees, surrounding a hive on the logo. The beehive has a very simple shape, which is why it is easily recognisable, so I thought it would be appropriate as the background of the logo. The bees are also supposed to symbolize us, the students, who work hard and achieve a desired goal through our combined efforts. I also found this symbol appropriate for the Running out of Time project.

I always try to participate in projects that inspire young people with nature and teach them how to preserve our Earth, as it is something that I am deeply interested in it. The same applies to the entire class of 3.A, of which I am a part of it. We are trying to understand the causes of climate change and find ways with which each of us could contribute at least a little to reducing these problems. Since we are a science-focused class, there is an emphasis on subjects like biology, physics and chemistry from which we are able to better understand the world we live in. This is also a reason why we often help with various ecological projects that need young people to develop new ideas in which could help build a greener future.

We are aware that we represent the next generation that will have to face these problems head-on. We will contribute to solving and inventing better technologies that would be able to change the situation on our planet for the better.

We, young people, are worried about the future and find it difficult to bear such a large burden of saving our environment. As teenagers, we often face feelings of hopelessness and think that we cannot change much on our planet, even so, we must try and keep ourselves grounded and logical as well as realize that even the smallest step of achievements help to improve the state of our Earth.

At the same time, we must not be blinded by false optimism, we must remain realistic but maintain hope, as overwhelming pessimism hinders our ability to fix these problems.

Humans have an innate quality that makes us more inclined to react to bad news, it is also easier for us to remember past negative events and experiences. That is why news and mass media today in general catastrophizes problems that make us feel dejected and hopeless. The same also occurs with climate change, because its consequences are incredibly severe, we feel like there is no end to the struggle with problems of for example deforestation, water shortages, increased temperatures, unpredictable weather ... the consequences of global warming just don't stop.

But we must have hope and believe that we can change things for the better. Education plays an important role and we want every child to have an opportunity to better understand our planet. Educated people know the severity of the problems from global warming and this is already the first step towards change in our proper environmental acting. As a global community we must fight against these problems, or else the consequences are going to become even more grave.

However, we must be aware that as individuals we cannot do much, which is why projects like Running out of Time are so important. If more of us stand up to these problems, we cannot be easily silenced. That is why I believe that working together is our greatest tool for amplifying our voices. One voice is weak, but we can hear a crowd with ease.

The route of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana – Bee path.

Poster of the Climate Run of the High school Jože Plečnik Ljubljana.

Lucija and Žiga

Lucija and Žiga are both students and Young Reporters for the Environment at the High School of Jože Plečnik, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The High School of Jože Plečnik is an Eco-School that organized this additional 'Bee Path' as part of the Running Out of Time relay that closely connected the beehives and noteworthy attractions of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik (whom the school is namer after. A primary school, beekeepers and classmates also participated. Lucija and another student Nik Koprivec will be attending a UNESCO Youth Session titled “Youth Demand Quality Climate Education: Outcome of Global Survey” on the 15th of November at COP 27. Register for this event here.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: Climate Run At The Secondary School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection

By Luka Skok and Mark Filip Mlakar, Young Reporters for the Environment, Slovenia

The Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center joined the largest international event called "Running Out of Time - RooT 2022" as part of the Ecoschool program in the autumn with a common goal: to take action for the climate, against climate change, to preserve biotic diversity and natural resources.

Thousands of runners, cyclists and sailors were preparing for the record relay. During the 7.767 kilometer track, through 18 countries, including Slovenia, they will hand over the baton containing the climate message of young people to world leaders at the United Nations conference on climate change.

Invitation to the 1st climate run of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection.

The Climate Relay began its journey in Glasgow, Scotland at the end of September and will conclude on 6 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, when the Climate Conference begins.

In order to mark this event at the school, the 1st climate run took place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The organizers of the event were: students Mark Filip Mlakar and Luka Skok from class 4. b and mentors Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan and Slavica Volčanjšek.

As part of the Climate Run Running Out of Time, several accompanying activities took place at the school:

Making a baton with a climate message

Each class made their own baton with a climate message. Civil engineers made a baton from waste construction material, and environmentalists from various waste materials. The sticks had to be 30 cm in length and 5-7 cm in diameter. After use, the rods could be reused, recycled or thermally exhausted.

The students, together with their classmates, were very original and creative in their work. As a result, as many as 15 batons were created, made from various waste materials, and there were just as many very interesting climate messages.

From among all the relay batons and climate messages, the expert committee (consisting of professors and students) then chose the best relay baton and the best climate message of our school. For this purpose, together with the company BAMF, the school produced very special awards for this occasion.

Each class made their own baton with a climate message.

Opening and awarding the best relay baton

The climate run started with the opening in front of the Celje School Center. After the opening words of student Mark Filip Mlakar from 4. b class about the importance of this international event related to climate change and the preservation of biotic diversity, the award for the best relay baton followed. It was awarded to class 3. e, as they put a lot of effort and creativity into making the stick. The prize - a trophy, was made in the school workshops under the mentorship of Andrej Hrastnik, which was then awarded by the school principal, Mr. Arnold Ledl.

Opening of the climate run in front of the Celje School Center, SŠGVO.

Students from the 3. e class with the principal receiving the award for making the best relay baton.

Climate run and award ceremony

We ran along the Savinja river embankment. The route was about 1,5 km long. Each class appointed 4 representatives who ran the relay race with their baton. The other students and professors followed the runners along the way with loud cheers. With persistence, all the runners, including some professors, successfully completed the course, thus demonstrating their enthusiasm for environmental preservation. The fastest relay was from the 3. b class, and thus they received the prize in the end. In addition to the prize for 1st place in the relay race, the students from 3. b class also received the prize for the most imaginative climate message: »REUSE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN AND SPARE THE ANIMALS!«.

Highlights from the climate run along the Savinja embankment:

The students from 3. b class ran the fastest in the 1st climate relay race of the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection and also received a prize for the most imaginative climate message.

Preparation of a video contribution about the course of the 1st climate run at the Secondary school of Civing Engineering and Environmental Protection at the Celje School Center

Preparing an exhibition in the school corridor

The next day, in the school hallway, we prepared an exhibition about the course of the climate run and the made relay batons.

Exhibition in the school hallway.

At the school, in cooperation with the company BAMF, we made very special awards for this occasion.

Preparation of posters about the course of the 1st climate run at SŠGVO, ŠC Celje.

Viewing the documentary films “Climate Change – The Facts| and “The Climate Planet”

As part of the accompanying activities of the event, on Thursday, October 27. 2022, part of the school day was spent a little differently. We watched two documentaries.

An English film directed by Serena Davies, Climate Change: The Facts was commissioned by the BBC and directed by Sir David Attenborough. The film is an in-depth review of scientific theories about climate change.

Jesper Theilgaard's Danish film The Climate Planet shows how our climate depends on a complex balance.

The screening of the films was organized by the Maribor Ecological and Cultural Society for a Better World in cooperation with the EPEKA ASSOCIATION, SO.P., the Slovenian coordinator of EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal.

By watching these films, we also participated in the EU Youth Cinema: Green Deal project (EU Youth Cinema: ENERGY AND CLIMATE), which is implemented in several European countries. It primarily appeals to young film audiences. With carefully selected films, it aims to contribute to the evaluation and understanding of the Green Deal of the European Union.

Publication in the media

Throughout the course of the celebration of "Running Out of Time" event, we published it on the school's website:

• 1st climate run at SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-na-ssgvo/

• Climate run SŠGVO: https://gvo.sc-celje.si/1-podnebni-tek-ssgvo/

About Luka and Mark

Luka and Mark are both in year 4. b at the Secondary School for Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection from the Celje School Center in Slovenia. Their mentors for this project are Alenka Lah Kalan, Janja Čuvan in Slavica Volčanjšek. Both Luka and Mark attended the YEEC (Youth Environmental Education Congress) in Prague in March 2022.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: The Climate Relay in The Slovenian Capital Carried By The Team Of The First Green Flag Awarded FEE Eco-Campus

By Kristina Mihelič at Gimnazija Ledina, Young Reporter for the Environment, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana - the capitol of the Republic of Slovenia - welcomed the climate baton of the largest and longest international climate initiative "Running Out of Time" on the 18th and 19th of October, 2022. The baton arrived at park Tivoli near city center before midnight on 18th of October 2022 in hands of the British Ambasador to the Republic of Slovenia, Mrs. Tiffany Sadler. It was taken over by the team of the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana, the first Green Flag awarded faculty (FEE Eco-Campus) in Slovenia.

Stojan Kostanjevec, Urška Lamovec and Nejc Kavka, runners from the Faculty of Education, took two stages: first, they ran 5 km from Park Tivoli to the Faculty of Education. From there, they took the baton through the city center, passing Three bridges, Ljubljana castle and other monuments. After 12 kilometres, they arrived to Lavrica where they handed the baton to cyclist Luka Štrubelj from the company Gen.

Stojan Kostanjevec, Urška Lamovšek and Nejc Kavka with the baton in front of the Faculty for Education in Ljubljana.

At the Faculty of Education, Stojan Kostanjevec is a member of the Commission for International Cooperation, department coordinator for exchange and international cooperation, coordinator of the Eco-Committee, he also contributes its valuable knowledge and shares experiences in the Eco-Schools program in the implementation of the project »Hrana ni za tjavendan« (“No Waste Food”). He also participated in the project “We Eat Responsibly”. His biggest motivation for participating in the Running out of Time is the desire to be enable to run, cycle and sail in a healthy and clean environment in the future, and therefore we must keep it that way.

Baton in Slovenia carried by the president and the Ministry for the Environment

Baton taken over by the Faculty of Education team from Mrs. Tiffany Sadler, the British Ambassador in Slovenia.

The baton arrived to Slovenia in a small town Volčja Draga on Tuesday, October 18 in the evening. It was welcomed by the team of the Ministry for the Environment and Spatial Planning, including the Minister, Mr. Uroš Brežan, the Secretary general Mr.  Uroš Vajgl, State Secretary, responsible for the environment, Maja Kostanjšek, Head of Minister Office at the ministry, Tina Hočevar from the Environmental Affairs and Climate Change Office and Tina Kobilšek, Head of Climate change division. They handed the baton to Polona Razgoršek and Ema Kotnik, coordinators for kindergartens in the Eco-Schools program in Slovenia.

The climate baton in Slovenia took 245 kilometres, split to 23 stages. It passed through Ljubljana, Vrhnika, Grosuplje, Ivančna Gorica, Trebnje, Mirna Peč and Novo mesto. On the last three stages, the baton was carried by Borut Pahor, the president of the Republic of Slovenia, the teams of the U. S. Embassy, Slovene Forest Fund and company GEN. On three locations: Kostanjevica na Krki, Leskovec pri Krškem and Krško, special ceremonies were prepared including more than 1.000 pupils from primary schools including more than 1,000 pupils.

Stojan Kostanjevec and Nejc Kavka in front of France Prešeren (Slovene poet) monument in Ljubljana (Slovene capitol) center.

Urška Lamovec from Faculty of Education, Ljubljana, taking over the baton from Tiffany Sadler, The British Ambassador in Slovenia.

Gimnazija Ledina joined 36,000 youngsters all over Slovenia on school climate actions day

Stages of the relay run by the team of the Faculty of Education, the first Green Flag awarded faculty in Slovenia (FEE Eco-Campus).

During the climate relay in Slovenia, school or local climate days were organized by Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment members in which 36,000 children and young people from all parts of Slovenia participated. On the 19th of October, the students of Gimnazija Ledina also ran with our own baton to the Ljubljana Castle and Tabor during sport lessons. Together, we added up all the meters to the baton and marked that special climate actions day in Slovenia.

 The biggest and the longest climate relay carrying a message to COP27

The common goal of all participating countries in the initiative “Running out of Time” is to take action against climate change, for the preservation of biodiversity and natural resources. It is a relay with a climate message, supported and signed by thousands of young people and their companions. It takes 38 days on a 7,767 km long route through 18 countries while running, cycling and sailing.

The relay started on September 30, 2022 in Glasgow, where 3,000 children accompanied it on its way. From there, the baton carrying the youth message about climate change travels over 732 stages, passing through the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus , Israel and Egypt - and will arrive in Sharm-el Sheikh on November 6, 2022, when the COP27 Climate Conference begins.

About Kristina

Kristina is in her fourth (last) grade of secondary school Gimnazija Ledina, located in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. She is actively involved in the whole-school initiative “Green Ledina” intended to encourage students to seek for sustainable solutions and take sustainable actions in their school and everyday life. She is a part of the Eco-Schools and YRE teams. In March 2022, she actively participated in the YEEC (Youth Environmental Education Congress) in Prague.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Slovenia, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Društvo Doves (FEE Slovenia).

Young Reporters on the Route: What Climate Change Means for Montenegro

By Dmitriy Churin, Young Reporter for the Environment, Montenegro

When I read international news articles on environmental issues, I often notice how the debate surrounding climate change fails to reflect the complexity of its actual and predicted damage. Some of the most talked about pieces of research either discuss the broad global implications of climate change or focus on the selected set of attention-grabbing countries. As a result, dozens of less extreme, “less spectacular” stories never receive the proper attention. In an attempt to combat this trend, I endeavor to highlight the effects of climate change on Montenegro — a small country in the Western Balkans that I call my home.

Port of Budva during storm, courtesy of Miroslav Churin.

According to Montenegro's 3rd national report on climate change (released in 2020), the mean annual temperatures are projected to keep steadily increasing all across the country over the course of the 21st century, whereas the mean annual rainfall is expected to decrease by 20% by 2070 (Landau 24). Considering that Montenegro is often noted for its vulnerability to droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves, the warmer and drier weather is likely to lead to more frequent and more severe extreme weather events (Landau 24). In fact, the frequency of droughts has already increased compared to the 1990s, while the wildfires of the 2010s were some of the most destructive on record (Landau 24).

But what do such climate-related incidents lead to? The drought of 2011 vividly exemplifies the wide range of negative short-term and long-term impacts that extreme weather can have. The drought led to abnormally low streamflow in rivers and low water levels in lakes in the Zeta-Bjelopavlići region which, due to Montenegro’s reliance on domestically produced hydroelectric power, resulted in the unpredicted rise in energy prices and the prospects of energy insecurity (Landau 24; Novaković). Furthermore, the decreased volume of water in rivers and lakes, including Lake Skadar, threatened populations of fish and insects that depend on habitats offered by aquatic environments (Novaković). In addition, ecosystems were at risk from anthropogenic pollution due to the smaller amount of water to dilute harmful substances (Novaković).

As the drought of 2011 illustrated, the climate-induced increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is destructive to both local ecosystems and human communities. However, smaller countries like Montenegro are at even greater risk since they have fewer resources to accurately predict the consequences of climate change and adequately adapt to these new challenges (Landau 24-25).

Works Cited

Landau, Seth, et al. MONTENEGRO THIRD NATIONAL COMMUNICATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, United Nations Development Programme in Montenegro, 2020.

Novaković, Milica. “Osim Poskupljenja Struje, Suša Dovodi i Do Problema u Prirodi.” Vijesti.me, Vijesti, 20 Nov. 2011, https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/drustvo/339579/osim-poskupljenja-struje-susa-dovodi-i-do-problema-u-prirodi.

About Dmitriy

Dmitriy Churin is an aspiring filmmaker and activist. His film portfolio includes both documentary and narrative short films. In 2020, his short documentary film about municipal waste problems in Montenegro won the national competition of Young Reporters for the Environment and was among the finalists of the international competition. In 2021, Dmitriy became a Young European Ambassador (YEA) in Montenegro — a member of the non-political network of activists supported by the European Union to promote intercultural understanding and cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. Dmitriy's work as a YEA focuses on how film and art can make our societies more open, democratic, diverse, and ecologically sustainable. In 2022, Dmitriy was selected as one of GAIA Fellow.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Montenegro, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, ECOM.

Young Reporters on the Route: Day 2 with Eco-Schools Wallace Hall Academy and Applegarth Primary School in Scotland!

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

Display showing Eco-Schools activities at Wallace Hall Academy.

The second day of the Running Out of Time Relay event the weather turned to the better. Wallace Hall Academy was the first school where the baton would be handed over. Although it was a Saturday, Wallace Hall Academy was buzzing with excitement. Staff, students, and members of the community were gathered in front of the school with handmade banners to cheer the runners on. Infront of the school was a display showing all the amazing eco-work the students had and were working on. They had covered great work on many of the Eco-Schools topics!

When Jasmin Paris came around the corner running with the baton in her hand everyone was cheering and waving their banners! Even the sun came out from behind the clouds to welcome the runner. She entrusted the baton to Tom and Emily, who were accompanied by Hooley, the dog.

Jasmin’s journey had started in Kirkconnel, Sanquhar and now 26 km later she had arrived in Thornhill. Jasmin had put 26km of the total 7,767 km on her name. Jasmin is an eager hill runner and loves the outdoor. Nature makes her happy, it is a place where she can relax and find peace. She finds it important that everyone is aware of how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. Participating in the Running Out of Time relay event allowed her to help raise awareness of the importance and need of quality environmental education for all.

Even ponies took part in the relay!

Applegarth Primary School in Lockerbie an active Eco-School with a beautiful outdoor space and outdoor classroom was the next hand-over point. As at Wallace Hall Academy, staff, pupils and members of the community crowed near Applegarth Primary School. There were even two ponies and rider and a pony with carriage to welcome runner James, who had taken over the baton from Tom, Emily, and Hooley the dog and to support Mike in the next part of the relay! As James came insight, the ponies joined his side. He handed over the baton to Mike, who was going to cover the next 32 kilometres by bicycle. Mike mounted his bicycle and with the ponies on his side cycled into the distance!

John speaking with Mike, one of the members of the support crew.

Mike is a keen cyclist, who loves a challenge. He already had over 500 miles cycling on his name for 2022. Cycling gives him a sense of freedom. The freedom to be one with nature. Nature gives him the opportunity to explore and experience all his senses and clear his mind. His encouragement to participate in the Running Out of Time relay event was raise the awareness of world leaders to provide good environmental education for everyone.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Running Out of Time: Crossing the Finish Line

“Action not words” is the message from young people as the world’s longest relay Running Out of Time crosses the finish line at COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh and delivers a climate message to world leaders.

November 8, Sharm El-Sheikh: At 7,767km, the Running Out of Time relay is the longest non-stop relay ever attempted and now it’s complete as the relay team crosses the finish line in Egypt!

Over the past 40 days (30 September to 8 November) thousands of runners, cyclists and sailors have worked together to pass a relay baton through 18 countries from COP26 host city Glasgow, Scotland to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in the name of climate action and in support of principal partners Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Carbon Copy.

Baton carriers have included Olympians, young people, Head of State President Borut Pahor, mayors, government ministers, city councillors, NGOs, community groups, ambassadors, activists, students, business leaders, friends and families.

Inside the #RunningOutOfTime baton is a message written in English and Arabic by young people and signed by over 800,000 people, to the decision makers at COP27 calling for quality climate education to equip people of all ages and in all places with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to build sustainable, climate resilient communities.

Meeting the relay team at the finish line is Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who says “I want to congratulate all the participants in this world-first relay and welcome the baton as it completes its journey across 18 countries, from Glasgow to Egypt. Their message is clear: climate change is already having a massive impact around the world and if we don’t take the right action, things will only get worse.

“The hugely inspiring efforts of everyone who took part show why youth action is so important. Not only have children and young people played a significant role in keeping climate change at the top of the global agenda, but they will also face the greatest impacts of climate change over their lifetimes. “It is only right that we listen to the voices of the next generation, and that we hear them when they challenge us to do more to tackle the climate emergency.

“The Glasgow Climate Pact was an important agreement, which included strengthened efforts to build resilience to climate change, curb greenhouse gas emissions and provide the necessary finance for both. 

“Countries cannot row back on the commitments made in Glasgow. COP27 must put a renewed focus on the ongoing delivery of the commitments already made and seek agreement for more meaningful action.”

The iconic relay baton was created by award-winning Glasgow-based designers 4c Design. It utilises 18 seemingly fragile parts representing the nations the baton passes through that are stronger together where the exchange of the baton happens. The iconic spiral rings represent the four essential layers of climate action where impact can be made: international, national, local and individual.

Jamie Hay Running Out of Time Co-Founder “What an extraordinary journey to COP27 it has been! We said we would do this and today, as we crossed the finish line, we proved it was possible. We have passed this baton mile after mile, day and night, for 40 days. Thanks to the incredible collective effort of thousands of people, across 18 countries, we have covered the 7,767km from Glasgow to Sharm El-Sheikh. 

We've run, cycled, rowed, sailed, windsurfed and skied our way here. Through thunderstorms, hail, wind, snow, and desert heat. We never gave up. We kept moving forward. We kept working together. We've seen first-hand the endless human determination to show up and carry the baton for a cause we all believe in. We turned our words into action and I hope this baton, this symbol of hope, will be a reminder to world leaders that they must do the same.”

The baton has travelled non-stop through Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. During a ‘virtual’ Global Stage on Nov 5th hundreds of people from over 60 countries took part in solidarity around the world.

It’s crossed seas, mountain ranges, glaciers, and deserts, villages, towns and capital cities. Along the way it has visited hundreds of schools, at-risk locations and climate change projects and championed local climate action.

Ric Casale, Founder Carbon Copy “This incredible climate relay has been a bright green thread over thousands of kilometres that has connected an amazing set of ambitious climate action projects, from community-owned renewable energy schemes to large-scale nature recovery programmes. It has highlighted the awesome potential and power of collective local action. We’re urging more resources from leaders at COP27 behind climate action at the sub-national level, at the point where policies are delivered and in places where people must adapt to our changing climate.”

Extraordinary moments were plentiful on this epic journey including (but not limited to!) adrenalin-filled crossings of the world’s busiest shipping lane The Dover Strait, by rowers, sailors and windsurfers, the Stubai Glacier in the Austrian Alps by foot, solar-boat and rowed across lakes and the Mediterranean sea by sail on a performance trimaran on top of mile after mile of running and cycling.

Hetty Key, Running Out of Time Operations Director says “At the start of this journey, plenty of people thought we were bonkers to take on a challenge of such epic proportions. Now I can see why! The route alone took 4 months to plot! But behind the few that questioned the feasibility of such a bold project, there was an even greater number of people who believed it was possible. Whether they were lacing up their trainers, getting on their bikes, cheering on the streets or giving their valuable expertise behind the scenes - the result is 40 days later, we're here in Sharm El-Sheikh at COP27! 

In that same way, no one person could run continuously from Glasgow to Egypt. No one person can tackle climate change. However, I wholeheartedly believe that Running Out of Time has shown the magnitude and scale of what we can achieve when we work together. I hope that everyone connected to this relay sees and feels the impact they have had, and, most of all, understands the sheer power we each have as individuals to inspire change - on a local, national and international scale.”

The relay’s Global Schools Action Day on November 3rd saw over 755,147+ students from 2,163 schools in 104 countries unite and demonstrate how local actions have global impact. It was an unforgettable opportunity for students to join the call for universal quality climate education, take part in a range of fun activities, and engage with programmes and resources from the world’s leading environmental education organisations.

Pramod Kumar Sharma, Senior Director of Education at FEE: “Most people agree that education is a public good. It cannot be called quality education if it does not help communities to face unprecedented changes in our environment. Education has to prepare each one of us to brave the existential crisis that is climate change. Running Out of Time has shown that school communities globally are ready to provide quality climate education. They, however, urgently need an enabling environment in the form of time, space in the curriculum, professional training and relevant resources to deliver quality climate education as a right of every child. We will relay their demand to world leaders at COP 27 and continue to support educational systems globally in greening education.” 

The finish line of the relay marks the launch of The Extreme Hangout at COP27, a grassroots initiative giving young people a voice to drive climate action. Held over 4 days from Nov 8 to 11 at COP27 from a tented pavilion on the beach front overlooking the Red Sea, the hangout will host live debate and inspiring discussion from key opinion leaders, youth climate activists, politicians, Prime Ministers and environmental commentators, all on a joint mission to amplify the game-changing research and ideas helping to tackle climate change.

Amber Nuttall, founder of the Extreme Hangout, says “It’s the global youth who will ultimately suffer the most from a lack of action around climate change. The Extreme Hangout gives them a seat at the table, It’s a place where both young and underrepresented people can express opinions, share ideas, collaborate on solutions with decision makers and people in power while informing and inspiring a global audience through a live stream that amplifies their voices and holds leaders to account.”

From the finish line the baton set off to the UNESCO Pavilion in the COP27 Green Zone for a welcome ceremony “A Million Voices and 7,767 Kilometres: A Global Call for Climate Education” with partners and high profile guests and where the baton message will be read out. 

The relay baton and every participant was supported along the journey by five incredible humans whose smiling faces will be familiar to all who took part: Abe Lim, Mike Borgen, Emily Scott, James Levelle and Eoghan McDonaugh. We can’t wait to hear and share their stories!

Dan Thompson Director World Relay says “Everyone working together – and making small sacrifices now to avoid making huge sacrifices in the future – are key to effective climate action. The relay perfectly symbolises these two imperatives. It literally doesn’t work unless someone shows up for every stage – even the 3 a.m. ones in the cold and the rain. I’d like to say an enormous 7,767km long thank you to everyone who participated and created such an incredible atmosphere on the road and at the handovers. And to our partners and the countless organisations and running and cycling groups without whom none of this would have been possible!”

See the highlights celebrated here: https://running-out-of-time.com/journey 

Key Climate Education Sessions Hosted by FEE at COP27

From the 6 – 18th of November, delegations from countries around the world will be attending COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Each year, countries “come together to take action towards achieving the world’s collective climate goals as agreed under the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC.” Building upon the outcomes of COP26 held in Glasgow, Scotland last year, the objectives of COP27 focus on mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change, in addition to ensuring adequate climate financing and enhancing and facilitating collaboration between Governments, the private sector and civil society. Learn more about COP27 here.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) will be represented at COP27 by Daniel Schaffer (CEO), Pramod Kumar Sharma (Senior Director of Education), Nikos Petrou (Vice President) and Kristina Madsen (International Coordinator of Education). FEE will be delivering two key sessions at the COP, centred on our call for universal, quality climate education, in addition to being invited as speakers in several other sessions.

FEE’s sessions can be attended both in person or virtually by those interested. More information regarding each session can be found below.

A Million Voices and 7,767 Kilometres: A Global Call for Climate Education

Date: 8th November 2022
Time: 11:15 – 12:15 EET
Location: UNESCO Pavilion (Green Zone)

After 38 days, 18 countries and 7,767 kilometres, the world’s longest ever non-stop relay, Running Out of Time, will come to an end in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on November 6th. Inside the relay baton is an urgent message, a global call for universal, quality climate education. Signed by nearly 500,000 individuals and supported by more than 1,500 schools in over 100 countries, the relay baton and the message it symbolizes will be presented to delegates at COP27, recognizing thousands of individuals and urging for global action and climate education.

Registration for Online Session:

https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VOrPhIuXS2et8ohXhyBsnQ

Universalization of Quality Climate Change Education (CCE) as a Key Component of SDG 4.7

Date: 14 November
Time: 16:45 – 18:15 EET
Location: Room 8, Thutmose (Blue Zone)

Transformative learning based on science is a necessity in wake of the climate crisis. Educational systems globally are lacking critical CCE. The time to learn and act is now. The session will discuss pathways and the role of stakeholders in realising SDG 4.7 through compulsory CCE as a basic right.

Co-organisers: Office for Climate Education, MECCE Project, The Danish Society of Engineers, and UNESCO

The session will be livestreamed from UNFCCC’s YouTube channel. A direct link will be uploaded here closer to the event.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Running Out of Time relay and engaging in critical discussions around climate education during COP27.

Young Reporters on the Route: The Launch of Running Out of Time

By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

This was my first event to join as a Young Reporter of the Environment (YRE). I was nervous but I did it. I had the privilege to be part of the start of the amazing ‘Running Out of Time’ non-stop relay event (ROoT) and to meet some wonderful people, who are dedicating their time and efforts to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the importance of quality environmental education.

The non-stop ROoT relay is going from Glasgow, Scotland to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt through 18 different countries covering 7,767 km (4,826 miles) over land and sea. The runners, cyclist, rowers, and sailors will carry a baton.  The baton symbolises the 18 countries it will be visiting and calling for the need for and importance of quality environmental education for everyone all around the world.

The wild weather of Scotland showed its tricks on the start day of the ‘Running Out of Time’ relay event. So, the ROoT relay event that was planned to start at the Glasgow Green was moved to Sunnyside Primary School. The school was bursting with enthusiasm, pupils and staff of Sunnyside Primary School were all very excited and proud to be the start location of the ‘Running Out of Time’ Relay. There were cameras crews, photographers, and reporters to capture the whole event from start to finish. There were the designers from C4 Design, who had designed the stunning baton. A masterpiece that will carry the message of the need of quality environmental education.

Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) were also at the event to strengthen the message of the need of quality environmental education. I had the privilege to interview Lesley Jones and Barry Fisher.

Lesley Jones is President of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Lesley lives in Cardiff, Wales. When I asked her, “How does the Environment makes you feel,” a lovely smile appeared on her face, like she could see herself walking her dogs in the beautiful Wales country site. She loves being outdoors doing the gardening in her garden. Working in the garden and getting your hands dirty can help to increase your serotonin levels.

She sees her garden as an important aspect in thriving eco-systems. Her work at FEE involves supporting her teams to design programmes so everyone can access quality environmental education to become aware how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. FEE gives access to fascinating and supportive programmes, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters of the Environment, LEAF, Blue Flag, and Green Key.

My next interview was with Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), a charity with the vision to encourage a Clean, Green, Sustainable Scotland.

Barry lives in Scotland with his family, and they just moved house. He added that they are insulating their home as best a possible to reduce the carbon footprint. Barry and his family work as a team so they all do the most to contribute to the solutions of climate change. They also do their best no to purchases single use plastic (refusing), to minimise their waste (reduce), and to recycle their waste (recycle).  Their garden is a heaven for pollinators. They are also growing trees to enhance air quality and storing carbon. He loves his work at KSB as it provides solutions to challenges. The charity can tailor solutions by working with schools, communities, and businesses.

About John

Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Running Out of Time Makes a Stop in Italy

The Relay for The Fight Against Climate Change Arrives in Jesolo With The Message to the World Leaders Meeting at COP27

Paralympic athlete Roberto Bellingardo receiving the Running Out of Time relay baton in Jesolo, Italy on October 18th.

Running Out of Time, is a 7,767 km non-stop relay organized by the World Relay Ltd. in partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and Carbon Copy, and with the support of UNESCO. The relay made a stop this morning in Jesolo, Italy to raise awareness of the fight against climate change.

The baton carries the message for those world leaders, who from the 7th of November will be gathered in Egypt for COP27. The baton was received by Roberto Bellingardo, the Jesolo marathoner who competed as a disabled athlete among able-bodied athletes, the mayor of the city of Jesolo Christofer De Zotti, local authorities, and FEE Italy President Claudio Mazza.

More than 150 children attended the event, representing the schools of the municipality, all of which are part of the global Eco-Schools programme, FEE's international Education for Sustainable Development programme which engages over 20 million students.

Students of all ages read messages of commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, against climate change.

Eco-Schools students stand with the mayor of Jesolo and FEE Italy President.

Eco-Schools students await the arrival of the relay baton in Jesolo, Italy.

"This very long race, which is crossing Europe to reach Sharm el-Sheikh on the occasion of the next COP27 meeting,” said Mayor Christofer De Zotti, “Takes on a crucial message for the entire planet - our time is running out. We must act now to ensure an inclusive and sustainable future for all. And Jesolo is one of the sounding boards through which this message is spread. The Jesolo Community is doing its part.”

"Education plays a crucial role in climate action, to overcome the challenges that our planet must face. We talk every day about ecological transition, but first we need to train young citizens to respect the environment and to build a sustainable society, bearing in mind that they will be the future decision makers. Today's relay carries an important message that will be delivered at COP27 and represents a highly symbolic moment of local awareness of the territories it passes through.” said the President of FEE Italy Claudio Mazza.

The relay, divided into 10 km long non-stop stages, is the longest ever attempted with runners, cyclists, and sailors. It kicked off from Glasgow, home of COP26, on September 30th and spans 18 countries to inspire and support local climate action: Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt. It will end in Sharm el-Sheikh on 6 November 2022, for the start of COP27 which will take place from 7 to 18 November 2022.

FEE Italy designated Jesolo as a stage of the relay, since the city has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for Beaches and Landing for 18 years and all its schools implement the international Eco-Schools programme.

Relay Baton Received at UNFCCC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany

14 October, Bonn: Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) President Lesley Jones, Senior Director for Education, Pramod Kumar Sharma and International Coordinator for Education, Kristina Madsen personally delivered the Running Out of Time relay baton to Ina Parvanova, Director of Communications and Engagement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Headquarters in Bonn, Germany.

After four exciting days during which the relay baton travelled from France to Belgium and through the Netherlands, it crossed into Germany on Thursday night (October 13th) around 8 pm. From there it was carried by runners through the night to reach the UNFCCC headquarters for a short stop before continuing on its journey to COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Carried by Kristina Madsen, International Coordinator for Education at FEE, the relay baton arrived at UNFCCC headquarters in Bonn at around 11:30 on Friday morning. The arrival of the baton was celebrated by representatives of UNFCCC, FEE and its German member organisation the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Umwelterziehung, Germanwatch, and several runners.

Central to the relay is the message in the baton that will be delivered to world leaders at COP27, a call for universal quality climate education, recognizing that education is key to a sustainable future. The relay also serves to highlight people-led climate education initiatives and the work done by local climate education organisations, such as FEE’s member, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Umwelterziehung.

Jens Hepper, teacher and Board Member of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Umwelterziehung succinctly captured the challenges our world faces, saying, “The problems of our time are that we consume too much heat, live in badly insulated houses, burning too much fuel. We throw broken stuff away instead of repairing it. We do not realize that we are living in a global community, depending on each other – every nation, every country.”

FEE has been delivering climate education and Education for Sustainable Development for over 25 years through its three educational programmes, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment and Learning about Forests. With member organisations in 81 countries around the world, FEE’s programmes have supported the efforts of thousands of climate education practitioners around the world and the message in the baton is of utmost importance for this work to expand.  

Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education said, “The message is all about the reason why education for climate action is critical for young people, but also for all of us. To understand the issues, to understand what we can do to take climate action and turn the tide on climate change.”

Collaboration between policymakers, international organisations, local civil society organisations and the practitioners on the ground serves to better support the call for universal, quality climate education, lending significance to the message in the baton that will be delivered to world leaders at COP25.

“This relay showcases the power of sport and civic action to drive greater awareness and engagement in villages, towns, capital cities and tourist locations along the relay route, no doubt inspiring local climate action. This is a critical decade for climate action. Governments must implement their pledges and commitments and raise ambition to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees and provide effective response to the global challenge. But to achieve the transformational change that is needed, everyone must be on board. Governments, businesses, investors, non-governmental organisations, and all members of society. We need everyone to know about the drivers and impacts of climate change and how to contribute to achieving a climate resilient and just world,” said Ina Parvanova, Director of Communications and Engagement at UNFCCC.

Ms. Parvanova also shared her thoughts on the message in the relay baton, saying, “On climate education, the message is clear. Climate change needs to be integrated across the full scope of the education curriculum. Climate change is an issue that affects all aspects of our economies and societies, so our education systems need to be preparing children, young people and lifelong learners by delivering quality climate education. And high-quality climate education informed by the best available science as well as, where available,  traditional and Indigenous knowledge, is not an option, but an imperative to strengthen human capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

From Bonn, the relay baton will continue being carried by runners and cyclists through Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. In Greece, the baton will be received by Nikos Petrou, Vice President of FEE and President of FEE’s national member, HSPN. FEE CEO Daniel Shaffer will escort it during its sail to Cyprus and Israel.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Wins Pratt & Whitney Global E-STEM Award

FEE was chosen for their work to facilitate learning outcomes that support a transition to a circular economy for green transformation.

13 October 2022, Tucson (Arizona, USA): The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) was selected by Pratt & Whitney and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) as a winner of the first-ever Pratt & Whitney Global E-STEM Awards. Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam, Pratt & Whitney’s chief transformation and strategy officer, bestowed grants totalling $250,000 to 13 nonprofit organizations in 11 countries. Each group demonstrated a remarkable commitment to advancing environmental, science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) education programs for underrepresented students ages 11–18.

Eco-Schools Project Advancing Circular Economy (E-SPACE) teaches students about the circular economy, renewable energy, and waste reduction. The programme includes lesson plans for teachers in several languages, a chart on strategies to Advance Circular Economy and a curricular framework for Advancing Circular economy.

Each tool has been developed to support E-STEM competencies by enabling learners to acquire literacy in the form of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to take positive actions to reduce waste through the entire lifecycle and not only at the recycling stage. It will also help learners to support scientific temperament on not accepting the status quo and developing the agency for problem-solving by increasing circularity using different strategies.

Finally, the lesson plans promote engineering skills by asking to have choices like the individual's right to repair as an integral principle of a circular economy.  

“The transition towards a Circular Economy requires that we not only look at managing problems downstream but also focus on solutions upstream in the production and consumption systems by reimagining the design of the products and materials used. E-SPACE lesson plans will extend the limited scope of recycling materials initiatives to ultimately question current production and consumption systems by encouraging critical and analytical thinking for problem-solving to promote critical actions based on science at the local level for global issues”, said Daniel Schaffer, CEO of FEE.

The prize will help FEE to expand the initial pilot project to 80 schools in eight countries in South America, Africa, and Asia.

A panel of judges from Pratt & Whitney and NAAEE selected the recipients from a pool of nearly 175 applicants spanning 40 countries who applied between May and July 2022. The winners were announced in Tucson, Arizona, during NAAEE2022 Annual International Conference, with the theme Educating for Change. 

Learn more about all of this year’s winners by reading their biographies: http://prattwhitney.com/ESTEM

Pratt & Whitney’s corporate social responsibility program supports initiatives that emphasize a laser focus on innovation and performance, inspire the next generation, and empower employees to positively impact communities. The company is committed to ensuring that future generations of engines drive further reductions in CO2 emissions, decrease noise, and are ready to operate with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Click here to learn more about the future of sustainable aviation.

Restoring Ecosystems with Little Woodlands in Ireland - An Choill Bheag

Students from Monreagh National School, Co. Donegal, Ireland in their An Choill Bheag

In 2015, Daan Bleichrodt and his team at the Institute for Nature Education (Instituut voor Natuureducatie (IVN)) in the Netherlands planted their first Tiny Forest. Made up of native tree species tucked into an area the size of a tennis court. These Tiny Forests are havens for insects, birds, and small animals.

Inspired by Tiny Forests in the Netherlands, the first little woodlands or Na Coillte Beaga were established in Ireland in 2018 as part of the Learning about Forests (LEAF) programme. An Choill Bheag (Irish for little woodlands) and LEAF are run by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in Ireland. An Choill Bheag is a small, dense, biodiverse native woodland habitat planted on school, business, or community grounds, providing an educational and recreational resource, enabling people to participate in Biodiversity & Climate Action, Citizen Science, Woodland Skills, Nature Connection and Wellbeing.

LEAF Ireland has planted twenty little woodlands to date (approximately 3,350 trees). Activities around these ‘little woodlands’ have involved over 2,000 individuals from 11 primary schools, six secondary schools, a Teacher Training 3rd Level College and two community groups. LEAF Ireland has also developed a range of educational resources to help support and guide the schools and community groups.

These native woodlands contribute to well-being and rapidly increase the amount of biodiversity, including bird and pollinator life, in the area. Once the trees are planted, schools and community groups are encouraged to introduce understory plants that further increase biodiversity.  Schools and community groups are encouraged to use dead logs to create seating areas, while natural log piles are a great way to create habitats and perimeter edgings.

The importance of hedgerows is also addressed, if space is limited, a hedgerow can be a great option. Hedgerows can connect fragmented habitats. Connecting woodlands is key to promoting a healthy genetic diversity of plants and animals, which in turn contributes to improving ecosystems' resilience to disturbances.

These woodlands (& hedgerows) provide places for students, teachers, and community groups to explore and interact with nature. In a school setting these ‘little woodlands’ create the perfect outdoor classroom for learning about plants, trees, birds, and other wild creatures.

“Our Choill Bheag is a place of fun, enjoyment, learning and celebration. The long-term legacy of the forest will last for years. The students and staff who were lucky enough to be part of this project four years ago will always remember that they planted a forest and maybe as adults, they will come back and visit. For the future generations of children who will attend our school, the forest will stand tall and grow with these children for many years to come. If any school has the green space to plant a little woodland our school would highly recommend the project. We have benefitted immeasurably from all the wonderful experiences that come from having a Choill Bheag.”

Yvonne Briody & Paula Howard, Teachers at Limerick Educate Together

In 2021, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a “rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, for the benefit of people and nature.” Despite their smaller size, An Choill Bheag presents a healthier and more biodiverse alternative to the trimmed lawns and concrete slabs that are so often seen on school grounds. They provide an opportunity to educate the next generation of nature restorers with hands-on knowledge and skills of natural spaces and encourage educators to use nature as a classroom. It is now more important than ever to support and upscale initiatives such as Choill Bheag to achieve the UN Decade’s critical goals of counteracting climate change and stopping the collapse of biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how you can get involved, please go here.  

This is the first article in a series highlighting ecosystem restoration contributions by Foundation for Environmental Education members.

European Commission, FEE and GoodPlanet Belgium welcome the Running Out of Time baton in Brussels!

11 October 2022, Brussel: On Tuesday 11 October, the Running Out of Time relay passed through Brussels, Belgium where representatives from GoodPlanet Belgium, member of the Foundation for Environmental Education, the European Commission and former FEE President Jan Eriksen were present to welcome the relay baton. 

After a 10 day 1,676km journey through Scotland, Wales and England carried by runners and cyclists, the relay baton arrived at the shore of France on Sunday, October 9th, its safe crossing of the English Channel ensured by rowers, sailors and windsurfers working together. That baton was carried through France with the support of our partner, the Office for Climate Education, arriving in Belgium on Monday afternoon.

As the seat of the European Union and the European Commission, Brussels is a significant stage along the relay route, and it was an honour to have Michael Teutsch, Head of Unit – Schools and Multilingualism from the European Commission participate in the baton handover event. The European Commission schools policy team joined the event to show their support for the initiative. Mr. Teutsch spoke about the work underway to foster closer cooperation between EU countries on sustainability in education and training.  

Jan Eriksen, Former President of the Foundation for Environmental Education was also present and reiterated the importance of universal, quality climate education and highlighted that to ensure equitable access to it for all we must involve stakeholders at every level from children and youth, teachers, local and national initiatives and policy makers to global networks and institutional policy development programmes and agencies: “FEE represents a global network of civil society practitioners, with dedicated members such as GoodPlanet Belgium, that have significant experience implementing climate education on the ground. The European Commission facilitates the global discussion, developing tools and supporting action plans that address climate change at the European level. Partnerships and dialogue between global or regional stakeholders such as the Commission and grassroot initiatives such as Running Out of Time, offer an opportunity to develop global policies and actions that better support the efforts of civil society actors, and help grassroot initiatives identify where they can achieve the greatest impact and encourage positive change.” 

Key to the success of the Running Out of Time relay in Belgium has been the support of the FEE member, GoodPlanet Belgium. GoodPlanet Belgium is responsible for running the Green Key, Blue Flag and YRE programmes in Belgium, and the Eco-Schools programme in Brussels and Wallonia. For over 20 years, GoodPlanet Belgium has been contributing to sustainable development in Belgium through projects, campaigns and climate education.

Students from local schools were also present to celebrate the arrival of the baton.

"Environmental education has been at the heart of our work for 25 years. Every year, we visit 3,500 schools from kindergarten to university throughout Belgium. We sincerely believe that children need to be given the keys to understand the climate issues so that they can act at their own level and contribute to the transition to a more sustainable society. Next to education, we also help and encourage the implementation of concrete actions such as the creation of school streets, greener playgrounds, or sustainable canteens.”  - Jo Van Cauwenberge, Director of GoodPlanet Belgium

The baton continues along the route, with a handover planned in Bonn, where it will be welcomed on October 14 by representatives of the UNFCCC in the presence of FEE President, Lesley Jones.

Young Reporters on the Route: Relay hits Grow 73!

By Isabelle Mack, Age 11, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland

Running Out Of Time is going from COP26 Scotland to COP27 in Egypt. Runners, cyclists and sailors passing through lots of places in the UK to show the baton which carries an important inspiring message inside. Running Out of Time is on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @climaterelay.

Due to weather conditions, the relay took off at Sunnyside Primary instead of Glasgow Green. The runners did fantastically, they were 3 minutes late but very determined on making up the time to get to Boswell community garden.

Grow 73 is in Rutherglen, in the south of Glasgow. It’s a community garden open to the public to come along and do some gardening. There’s a wide range of ages helping out. Grow 73 all about growing food, growing the community and growing diversity.

One of the runners, Kenny Alexander, had finished running for the relay while the other 2 went on. Kenny started at the Peoples Palace to Grow 73! Kenny ran because he wanted to apologise to me and my generation having to live in such a horrible world that adults are handing over too us. He hopes that at COP27 world leaders will have seen the changes in our climate due to climate change and will make adult decisions and take action now. He said “NO MORE BLAH BLAH, some actual changes!”

I spoke to Barbra who tried to come as much as she could when she has free time and hoping to come more regularly. She thinks that climate change is a huge issue and makes sure she puts her rubbish in the correct bin. Although it’s only a small change it makes a big difference and if everyone did that the world would be a much better place.

Lesley Jones is the President of FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education). FEE is an NGO and one of the world’s largest organisations for education for the sustainable development. It’s active in 81 countries! Lesley is also the Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy.

Lesley Jones was at Grow 73!!! Lesley said “FEE was created 40 years ago by a couple of people that had visited a big conference about the importance of environmental education in 1977. The 4 people that went came back demanded the UK need to do something about this. They’d bring people together and explain why we need to change. 30 years ago France created a program called Blue Flag. France thought it would be better if it wasn’t just run in France, so many other countries joined in including Scotland and Wales. She hopes that at COP27 things will actually start happening now and we’ll see the changes, businesses need to be forced to make a difference and of course raise awareness to everyone so everyone can make a difference”.

Susie from Community Rails came to Grow 73 to share why it’s good to take the train and how it’s more sustainable too take the train and to chat to people, become a part a community. She said people can make smarter but simple changes in their life; take the train, plant more plants, recycle and tell others ways to recycle.

I spoke to Eugenie the co-founder of Grow 73. She said, “Grow 73 tackles climate by using what they can find so recycling old materials”.

Not only was it a more sustainable way it was a cheaper way as they didn’t have much money but a lot of old materials. There’s all old barrows to planet things in, there’s old telephone poles they’re planning on cutting so can make a fence. She tries to get people outside but it can be hard as some children think if there isn’t a swing there’s nothing to do outside. But once you get people out they really enjoying chatting and playing. She hopes that people will see potential like she did when she saw the old piece of locked up landed that’s turned into Grow 73. Everyone can make difference even if you’re really struggling with money, whether it’s turning an old whisky barrel into a plant pot. You don’t have to be a professional gardener to plant a potato.

If you’re in the area I definitely would recommend visiting Grow 73! It’s such a positive safe place to go a relax but still be proactive.

About Isabelle

“My name is Isabelle, I am eleven and live in Stow in the Scottish Borders. I was born in France and moved to Scotland when I was four. My primary school was very active in promoting Learning for Sustainability which inspired my interest in climate action. I enjoy using persuasive writing to encourage others including world leaders to make a difference and change the world. I’ve had replies from Nicola Sturgeon, Netta Meadows (the chief executive of my local authority), Jane Goodall and a handwritten letter from David Attenborough!”

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Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Universalization of Quality Climate Education

Where are we and where do we go from here? 

#HelpUsGetThere

10th October I 15:00-16:30 CEST

We are Running Out of Time.

Quality climate education is critical if we are to equip people of all ages with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a future in which all can thrive. 

Young people need to be recognised as leaders, placed at the forefront of the conversation about climate change and empowered through education. 

We are calling on the world’s leaders to provide us with the skills and training to build a sustainable world. 

Our world is warming and to keep the increase to 1.5 degrees, we need forward thinking, consistent policies and funding to help us reach Net Zero Emissions. 

We are committed to help build a future that is inclusive and sustainable for all. 

Show by your actions, not just words, that you are too. 

Help us get there! 

This is the message that will be sealed in the Running Out of Time baton on the 30th of September in Glasgow, Scotland and carried by thousands of runners, cyclists, and sailors through 18 countries to decision-makers at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.  

In this webinar, you will hear from leading organisations and departments in the field of climate change education, including UN agencies, ministries, and global NGOs. You will learn about the many efforts already being taken to secure universal climate education – and the obstacles we still need to overcome. 

Speakers

Pramod Kumar Sharma - Senior Director of Education, Foundation for Environmental Education

Deirdre Hodson - Policy Officer, School Education Policy, European Commission

Won Jung Byon - Programme Specialist, Section of Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO

Ewurasi Nnadozie - Head of International, Comms and Events, Sustainability and Climate Change Unit, UK Department of Education

Fleur Newman - Unit Lead, Action for Climate Empowerment, UNFCCC

Kathleen Rogers - President, Earthday.org

Registration 

Climate change affects us all, meaning that this webinar is relevant to everyone! 500 people will be able to join online. Secure your spot here:  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The webinar will also be livestreamed on YouTube. 

Generation Restoration Boosting Biodiversity: Best Practices from Schools Around the World

The results from the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) GAIA 20:30 Biodiversity Best Practice Competition are here! The five winning Best Practices display inspiring initiatives from schools around the world that have engaged students and teachers in actions to protect biodiversity.  

Schools, hospitality establishments, beaches and marinas from FEE’s global network were invited to present one project or story connected with FEE’s GAIA 20:30 Biodiversity goals: 

• Preserving existing and creating new forests or natural areas; 

• Promoting sustainable management of the coastal zone; 

• Combatting pollinator and insect loss; 

• Raising awareness of and supporting actions to remove invasive alien species. 

In total, schools from 41 countries submitted their biodiversity projects as part of the GAIA 20:30 Biodiversity Campaign! Keep reading to learn about the five best practices from FEE’s global school network.   

The selected stories are coming from The Bahamas, Cyprus, Germany, India and Spain. They showcase impactful initiatives, from the installation of hydroponics garden to the planting of more than 3,000 trees. Students engaged in these projects developed great skills and knowledge on climate action and biodiversity conservation. Their work contributed to boosting biodiversity, raising awareness on ecosystems protection and creating meaningful, long-lasting projects! As shown in the following best practices, taking action for biodiversity is not only essential for sustaining healthy natural areas, but also healthy communities. 

Vertical Hydroponics Garden: Increasing the Resiliency of Infrastructure in an Eco-School Environment to Combat the threats of Climate Change  

Bishop Michael Eldon School, The Bahamas 

The project aimed to promote food security, healthy lifestyle, modern farming techniques and sustainability under the School Feeding Program 2021 launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources of The Bahamas. The project has promoted hydroponics harvesting skills among the students as well as a mind shift on farming and agriculture. 

Lythrodontas Forest, Flora and Fauna (LYF)

Nipiagogio Lythrodonta School, Cyprus

The main goal of the project was to acquaint the children with knowledge about the local biodiversity, whilst instil the sense that even small actions from a small school can make a significant difference in the protection of the local biodiversity. The project gathered students with people from various professional sectors and services on a common goal.

A School Garden for Wildlife and Pupils

Rainald-von-Dassel-School, Germany

The school saw an opportunity to make students experience wildlife with hands-on experience. In two years, they managed to create an entire pollinator garden with a pond and plant fruit trees around the school. The activities engaged students and their families, as well as locals, that were eager to take part in this project.

Be Keen to Make the Earth Green

Delhi Public School, Nadergul, India

This huge project gathered more than 2500 students around the goal of making the school premises green. Within five years, the school planted 3000 trees and created several gardens that developed the students' skills in gardening and collaborative work. The Green Crusaders, a committee of the school’s staff and students, handled implementing 11 projects in total.

Forest Restoration and Biodiversity in Monte da Fraga

Universidade da Coruña, Spain

Photo by: ADEGA-GN Hábitat-OMA UDC.

The forest area between the two Campuses was transformed from an abandoned natural space to a place filled with native species. The long-term restoration project increased awareness about biodiversity protection and helped volunteers gain skills in the management of organic waste, reforestation and even water management!

Congratulations to the dedicated students, teachers and schools working to promote biodiversity in their community!

FEE is proud to highlight these inspiring and exemplary stories from our network. By sharing such stories, we hope that it serves to support more schools around the world in engaging in biodiversity protection.

FEE x Running Out of Time

Runner Registration Opens for Climate Relay to COP27 ‘Running Out of Time’

FEE is proud to be supporting the Running Out of Time relay; a 7,767km, 38-day run, crossing 18 countries between Glasgow and Sharm el-Sheikh. The world’s longest ever non-stop relay to take place in the name of climate action!

Registration opens today for runners to sign up for a stage of Running Out of Time, an extraordinary 7,767km, non-stop relay from Glasgow, Scotland (COP26 host) to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (COP27 host) in the name of climate action. 

Running Out of Time will be the longest non-stop relay ever attempted with runners passing a baton containing a powerful climate change message from young people to the decision-makers at COP27. Organised by The World Relay Ltd, the relay route is split into 685 stages that are around 10km each which runners can sign up for. The relay runs day and night for 38 days and travels to 18 countries. 

The relay will begin with an opening ceremony in COP26 host city Glasgow on September 30th 2022 – where the message will be sealed in the baton. Carried by runners, cyclists and sailors, it will journey through Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt - arriving to Sharm el-Sheikh on November 6th 2022 in time for COP27 which will take place from 6th-18th November 2022.

Along the route the baton will cross seas, mountain ranges, glaciers, and deserts, villages, towns and capital cities. It will visit hundreds of schools, at-risk locations and climate change projects to inspire and champion local climate action. Running Out of Time will also be fundraising for the Foundation for Environmental Education’s Global Forest Fund and Carbon Copy. 

Relay Director, runner and Guinness World Record holder Danny Bent says “Extraordinary change requires extraordinary effort - it’s everything Running Out of Time is about. We want everyone that’s passionate about climate change and our planet to sign up for a stage of the relay and help us deliver a powerful message with so much support that it is impossible to ignore”.

Running Out of Time is made possible thanks to the collaborative effort of a great many partners and supporters.

During the relay up to a million pupils from around the world will be brought together for a Schools Action Day on 3rd November - an exciting virtual programme that champions climate change solutions while empowering young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning.

People around the world who are unable to run a stage on the physical route won’t miss out! They’re invited to pass the baton during a Global Virtual Relay on November 5th 2022 which is expected to attract tens of thousands of runners in the name of climate action. 

Register to take part: www.running-out-of-time.com  

KEY DATES

Registration Opens: June 22nd 2022 // Relay start date: Friday 30th September 2022, Glasgow, Scotland. Opening ceremony in collaboration with Glasgow City Council // Schools Action Day Thursday 3rd November // Global virtual relay: Saturday 5th November 2022  // Relay end date: Sunday 6th November 2022, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

WEBSITE: www.running-out-of-time.com 

Running Out of Time is made possible thanks to the collective effort of a great many partners and supporters.

About The World Relay Ltd are multi-award winning global leaders in mass participation relays best known for their One Run series. Co-Founded by runners, adventurers and Guinness World Record holders Danny Bent and James Hay, their mission started in 2013 with One Run for Boston; a non-stop relay across the US on behalf of the victims of the Boston marathon bombings. Since then they’ve organised relays all over the world including relays across the USA and two non-stop month-long relays in London. Awarded honours for these events include Runner's World 'Heroes of Running'. Over 200k runners have participated in One Run relays raising over £1.9 million for good causes.In 2021, 165 000 students and runners from 195 countries came together for global unity in the One Run Global Relay – a 24 hour virtual relay around the world.  www.theworldrelay.com  

One Run (@onerun_global) • Instagram  / One Run - Home | Facebook  / One Run Global (@OneRunGlobal) / Twitter 

About Danny Bent - Danny was voted one of the 100 happiest people in the UK and one of the 50 most inspirational people in London. He is an award winning author and journalist, Guinness World Record holder, and celebrated adventurer and community leader. www.dannybent.com Danny Bent, Running Out of Time’s Relay Director, runner and Guinness World Record holder says “We are so super proud to have this opportunity to amplify the voice of our youth and to help raise awareness of the climate crisis. We want to show what can be achieved if we all work together - a symbol to today’s decision makers who hold the key to a unified solution.”

About Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries and a network of over 60,000 educational institutions. http://www.fee.global/ 

About Carbon Copy is a UK charity that inspires big-thinking local climate action to accelerate our progress towards a fairer, carbon zero future. https://carboncopy.eco/