DoE chief urge environmental education in schools amid growing ecological crises
Shina Ansari, Vice President and Head of Iran’s Department of Environment (DoE) emphasized the urgent need for integrating environmental education into school curricula, warning that neglecting ecological responsibilities would exacerbate the country’s environmental crises.
Ansari stressed that environmental protection cannot be the sole responsibility of the organization, calling for collective efforts from institutions.
“If authorities remain indifferent, the result will be an increasing trend of environmental problems and damages,” she stated at a national event on sustainable environmental education on Tuesday.
Highlighting the role of education, Ansari pointed to Article 50 of the Iranian Constitution, which enshrines environmental protection as a public duty.
“We must all stand together to safeguard our natural resources; otherwise, the country’s fragile environment will deteriorate further,” she warned.
She suggested environmental teachings to begin at an early age, emphasizing the significant role of schools. While formal education includes subjects like “Humans and the Environment,” she noted that extracurricular and hands-on learning could enhance students’ environmental awareness.
Hadi Kiadaliri, Deputy for Education and Public Participation at the Department of Environment, underscored the global urgency of environmental issues. “Iran’s unique geography makes us particularly vulnerable, and any delay in addressing environmental concerns is no longer acceptable,” he stated.
Kiadaliri linked the crisis to broader ethical and behavioral shortcomings. “We have environmental knowledge but lack environmental behavior,” he said, calling for a shift from a human-centered to an ecology-centered approach.
The officials announced initiatives such as the “Environment Ambassadors” program in schools, green management strategies, and the expansion of environmental vocational schools.
“Environmental awareness is not just a subject; it’s a way of life. If we fail to instill this mindset in students, we will face severe consequences in the future,” Kiadaliri concluded.