Abstract:
Abstract
The human and environmental relationship has a boundless
integration, due to its interdependency. Environmental resources
are utilized by human beings to meet their daily needs in the context
of consumption and development. This process has a negative
impact on the environment and human health. Predominantly
environmental-related issues are induced by human activities.
However, these issues could be minimized by way of maintaining
a balance between development and utilization of resources,
fulfilling present needs without compromising the needs of
future generations as correctly elaborated in the Brundtland
Commission Report (1987). Accordingly, the objective of this
paper is to evaluate the contribution of environmental education
and awareness in terms of sustainable development to adapt the
general public to be environmentally conscious. The extracted
data and information only from secondary sources have been
sorted and analyzed, following the qualitative approach; while
constructing environmental education as a tool for productive
sustainable development approach. This study found that the
Central Environmental Authority (CEA), is a major institution
that extends the many environmental education and awareness
program to the various target group, such as school students,
teachers, Grama Niladharies, Samurdhi Niladharies, and Development Officers. In addition, other government and nongovernment
organizations provide similar services to the general
public to safeguard the environment. This study recommends,
having a collective mechanism to promote environmental
education and awareness to the public with the participation of
relevant stakeholders.
