ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Part I. educational, ecological and environment perspectives of sustainable development. – Part II. Ensuring environmental sustainability: think globally, act locally. – Part III: moving society towards a sustainable future.

This book is a most useful tool for teaching environmental topics especially in tertiary education. While it was written to suit the requirements for environmental education in various curricular programs, environmental advocates, practitioners, students and the general public will also find this book useful as it was designed to cater to a wide latitude of clientele. It is perhaps one of the most relevant books today as it deals with a pressing issue of our time - the environment and its sustainability, with particular application to the Philippine setting.
The central theme of this book revolves around sustainable development - a paradigm shift in response to the UNCED prescriptions. It details the various concepts, requirements, actions and strategies and the critical think- ing required in efforts to address specific environmental issues. It therefore impinges on three central ideas: SUSTAINABILITY, CRITICAL THINKING and STRATEGIC ACTION.
The book also emphasizes the imperatives of concerted action of all citizens in building a sustainable future as, after all, the resulting environmental conditions of a country are a reflection of its own value system and lifestyle. Topics are presented to highlight important events affecting certain environmental situations and conditions. Legislations surrounding Philippine environmental issues deemed expedient are discussed and considered in the appropriate chapters. Overall, it emphasizes the responsibility of the individual citizens, national and local governments and all other sectors in addressing our environmental problems.
For organization and cohesiveness, the book is divided into three parts. Part I introduces the scientific and ecological framework of sustainable development and orients readers to the importance of environmental education for sustainable development in the Philippine setting. It highlights the ecological basis of sustainability and the various environmental issues prevailing worldwide. Part 2 describes the paradigm shift to ensure environmental sustainability. It deals with the state of Philippine environment with emphasis on the various ecosystem types and the initiatives and strategies being undertaken to address important issues and concerns. In particular, it seeks to establish the connection between global and local actions. Part 3 presents actions geared towards moving the country toward a sustainable future. Enabling legislations and policies in the local and global context are likewise presented to anchor various initiatives and strategies. Institutionalizing environmental education for sustained development is emphasized with corresponding strategies and integration of concepts at various educational levels.
Crosscutting approaches as well as multisectoral participation and involvement in sustainable developmen are highlighted through appropriate case studies. Another important feature of the book is the tasks intersperse throughout the different chapters specially conceived to provide educators and trainers with a basis for assess ment of performance of students and trainees alike.
The production of this book was inspired by the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Education Instit tions in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM) which aims, among others, to publish mater als that will assist its member-institutions facilitate teaching and training particularly in the field of environment education and sustainable development. The book also represents the collective endeavor of inspired individua and institutions committed to the environment. For its shortcomings, however, we accept final responsibility.