One of the key goals of outdoor education is to learn to observe and respect the environment.  Educationally, these are the basis for an interest in global sustainability.  When a person learns to observe, among other things, biodiversity, it can be assumed that this increases the appreciation of the environment and the desire to protect the environment.  Similarly, when a person learns to observe changes and problems in the environment, he or she is better able to understand the systemic interactions in nature and elsewhere in the environment and to perceive human responsibility for them. (Cantell, 2023)

Humans are just one of millions of species on the Earth.  A shift from a human-centered approach to a multi-species approach is an important step toward a sustainable future.  This focus on biodiversity can have several benefits: 

• Learning to put oneself in the position of another increases sensitivity and expands scope of care.

• Typically, a person takes care of what they consider to be part of their own circle of life

(Salonen, 2023)

Developing a sustainable connection with nature requires giving up bipolar thinking that separates humans and nature (Kassinen, 2023)

GOALS OF BIODIVERSITY EDUCATION:

1. Develop learner’s ecological/nature literacy 

-species knowledge is important part of this

-also requires thinking skills (esp. systemic)

(Hofman-Bergholm, 2018) 

2. Supporting learner’s relationship with nature (this requires spending time in nature and interacting with one’s own environment)

(Clark, CR, Heimlich, JE, Ardoin, NM & Braus, J. 2020) 

3. Understand the interactions between humans and nature, as well as the causes, consequences, solutions to nature loss (at the same time, it's important to promote active agency for environment, which requires multidisciplinary approach to education)

(van Weelie, D & Wals, A. 2002)  

A continued emphasis on systemic understanding is another key to sustainability education.  Systemic understanding helps individuals to understand that the world is not a collection of separate things and phenomena, but a web of life with many connections.  

For example, a complex concept like climate change requires an understanding of the atmosphere, along with interactions with the lithosphere (land) and hydrosphere (water). 

Without systemic understanding, there is risk of treating symptoms while the disease remains undiagnosed.

(Salonen, 2023)

The traditional approach to discussing climate change has usually started with problems.  An important shift involves focusing on solutions (including mitigation and adaptation steps). Constructive hope is central to development of climate agency .

(Aarnio-Linnanvuori, 2023)

• Phenomenon-based learning helps to understand reality. (Salonen, 2023)

• Storytelling can be a way to deal with challenging environmental issues. (Hohti, 2023)