DOC annouce formal partnership with Enviroschools Programme

To help the thousands of young people attending enviroschools integrate conservation into their school sustainability programmes, Conservation Minister, Chris Carter today announced a national partnership between the Department of Conservation and The Enviroschools Foundation. The partnership will involve the development of conservation education resources - building on existing resources - and meetings to help DOC staff and Enviroschools plan how they will work together.

"Our native animals and plants, waterways, marine environment and protected natural areas are hugely important to us and underpin our sustainability and future economic growth,” Mr Carter said today. "People's actions affect the environment, and changes in the environment affect us. Understanding these connections is what sustainability is about. The Enviroschools programme helps foster that understanding by involving students in every stage of projects they take on, from research to decision-making to putting their skills into action on the ground. Through the programme young people work alongside each other, have fun, and develop a sense of ownership and care for the environment, starting with their school grounds. I am impressed by the results I have seen so far and look forward to seeing more enviroschools deciding to include conservation in their vision for a sustainable school."