What We Do
Mission
Working together in partnership to develop positive attitudes and change behaviour towards the environment through education, thus contributing to a sustainable future society.
History
The Forum itself was established in 1995 with the aim of enhancing the profile of environmental education in the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Through providing a forum and network for the exchange of information on environmental education, by encouraging co-operative working amongst those involved in its delivery and by promoting the role of environmental education in delivery of many core and non-core curriculum subjects, the Forum plays an important role in enhancing environmental education provision.
Networking
The ESD Forum is primarily a networking organisation which acts as a conduit to facilitate information exchange to and between its members. It surveys what members want and arranges appropriate activities by holding events, meetings and providing advice and assistance.
Education for Sustainable Development Days (ESD Days)
Every year the Forum runs Education for Sustainable Development Days (ESD Days) at all of Northern Ireland's University establishments. These are delivered by ESD Forum member groups, and are aimed at trainee teachers and PGSE students. The days consist of a series of workshops in which the leaders' demonstrate best practice in delivery of environmental education through various aspects of the curriculum.
Conferences
The Forum holds two conferences per year to explore topical aspects of environmental education. Conferences are open to all members and interested parties, groups and individuals. Reports are produced on these meetings and distributed to ESD Forum members. Major public conferences are held every two years, which investigate significant aspects in the field and promote the effective delivery of environmental education and education for sustainable development.
Publications
Four times per year the Forum Newsletter is produced and distributed to all members. Contents include articles on environmental education, new developments, members news, grants and awards. A four page theme based supplement is also produced with each issue. Both the main eight page newsletter and the four page supplement are distributed to a named contact in every single Primary, Post Primary, Irish Language, Independent and Special School in Northern Ireland.



