Capacity building on Environment for concerned sectors by Environmental Promotion Division, Department of Environment, Science Technology and Environment Agency

• Training on environment management for sectors involved in environmental education and awareness has taken place.
• Training on environment for mass media from the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mass Organizations, Lao Buddhist Organization, and Lao Front for Construction, has taken place.
• Training, study tours and exchange visits to other countries for the EEA sectors has been organized.
• Monitoring and evaluation for effective implementation by concerned sectors has been conducted through an activities evaluation workshop.
• The technical working group has been established. Their role is to coordinate and cooperate with other related sectors.
• The tools used for project operation, training, including a training kit have been developed.
• A baseline survey on public knowledge of and attitudes to ward the environment has taken place.

Capacity Building Program: Environmental Education Training of the Trainers

Organizer:
Environment Training Center, Environment Research Institute, ScienceTechnology and Environment Agency

Objectives:
(1) Incorporation of environmental education at all levels of formal education and non-formal education in environmental education, awareness and training in sectors by integrating cultural, traditional and contemporary knowledge to target local, regional and international environmental issues
(2) To build a pool of manpower trained in environmental education, awareness and training in sectors;
(3) Promotion and improvement of the manner of exchange of environmental information, skills and resources in region; and
(4) Getting support for environmental education and training through formal and non-formal networks at local/ national, regional, and international levels.

Overview:

National Level:
(1) Focus on awareness raising especially in rural areas; education; training and information;
(2) Integrated with human resources development program; national environmental action plan; other national priority programs and ASEAN environmental education action plan;
(3) Assign responsibilities, and monitor implementation;
(4) Secure support of donors, international organizations etc.

Improved Coordination:
(1) Networking such as partnerships and starting central level and moving to provincial level;
(2) EE is not sole responsibility of any one organization (government, mass);
(3) Enhance coordination such as among government and party institutions including central and provincial; with mass organizations; with private sector especially between institutions;
(4) Build on the success of the Inter-Ministerial working group.

Education:
(1) Integrated environmental themes into the formal education curriculum such as at all levels (basic, vocational), and focus on learning by doing (plus observing);
(2) Enhance access eg. Distance learning, community learning centers;
(3) Implement programs to address shortages of: teachers, materials, infrastructure and financial resources;
(4) Draw on experiences, expertise and resources from neighboring countries including ASEAN Action Plan.

Training:
(1) Key to ensuring environmental concerns is addressed by all government officials (technicians, management and educators);
(2) Ensure consistency and continuity in training for programs and individuals;
(3) Evaluate, monitor and report on training "build on success, address shortcomings". International

Cooperation:
(1) Assistance of experience, equipment, materials, and financial resources;
(2) Focus on ASEAN countries especially Mekong countries;
(3) Encourage consistency and continuity, for example ASEAN EE Action Plan.