Environmental Education
Priorities for Ensuring Environmental Literacy
Young scientists studying specimens with a microscope. Photo credit: Gulf of Mexico Alliance Governors' Action Plan
The importance of the Gulf of Mexico’s influence on climate, health, and the economy reaches beyond the 31 states and two Canadian provinces that are within its watershed. With this influence comes an opportunity to provide educational programs to improve the nation’s understanding and appreciation of the Gulf and its abundant natural and living resources. To capitalize on this opportunity, the Alliance’s environmental education efforts include formal and informal educational opportunities, professional development, communication, and actions which reach an extensive audience who reflect the phrase “K to Gray.” The Alliance is committed to providing environmental education that includes local cultural and economic values with the belief that education will encourage action toward a healthier Gulf.
Long-term Goals
- Continue implementing environmental literacy with a focus on the Gulf
- Promote stewardship of the Gulf region
ED-1: Community Education and Outreach
Action: Increase awareness and promote action among Gulf citizens by engaging in educational and outreach activities.
Expected Results:
- Expanded partnerships with organizations incorporating outreach activities across the Gulf is routinely occurring.
- On-the-ground outreach and education projects are developed and implemented to better engage the public.
- Access to volunteer/service-learning opportunities through organizations such as Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers is significantly increased.
ED-2: Public Awareness
Action: Expand public awareness efforts to connect the Gulf and its relevance to the lives of citizens.
Expected Results:
- The Alliance is more widely recognized by Gulf residents and visitors.
- Regional messages for all Alliance priority issues are disseminated to reach regional and upstream watershed audiences.
- Opportunities abound for active participation in initiatives that promote a healthy Gulf in coastal and upstream watershed areas.
- Environmental messages are disseminated through multiple media outlets including informal education centers (museums, aquariums, libraries, and science centers).
ED-3: K through 20 Environmental Literacy
Action: Increase environmental literacy within the K through 20 audience by developing, implementing, expanding, and enhancing specific environmental education programs.
Expected Results:
- Hands-on learning opportunities are expanded across all grade levels.
- Programs and field experiences are aligned with state standards and environmental literacy principles.
- Programs targeted toward under-represented and underserved populations are expanded.
- Professional development and training opportunities utilizing best practices are significantly increased.
ED-4: Economic Value Communication
Action: Include the economic value of Gulf ecosystems in environmental education.
Expected Results:
- Local, regional, and national environmental education and public awareness initiatives incorporate the economic value of the Gulf and its ecosystems.
- A Teacher’s Guide on the economic benefits of the Gulf is available and formatted for ease of use for various audiences.
- An online digital library includes the economic value of Gulf natural resources.
Baby sea turtles along a Texas beach. Photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife Division
Highlights of Governors’ Action Plan Accomplishments
Gulf of Mexico Alliance EEN: Partners and Their Progress - December 2007 (pdf, 277 KB)
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Clearinghouse
The Gulf of Mexico at a Glance publication presents memorable representations of selected social, economic, and environmental attributes with the intent of building public awareness about the linkages between the Gulf of Mexico region’s ecological health, the high quality of residents’ everyday lives, and the economic vitality of the region.
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