Environmental education activity proceeds from principles of sustainable development and is based on the national curriculum. The Minister of Climate and the Minister of Education and Research signed a Joint Action Memorandum, the aim of which is to shape through a study process responsible citizens who value the environment and preserve it.
Environmental Awareness of the Ministry of Climate
Within the Ministry of Climate, the Department of Green Reform handles the field of environmental education and information.
The Department organises the evaluation of applications submitted to the Environmental Awareness Programme of the Environmental Investment Centre. The aim of the programme is to provide support to activities that increase the environmental awareness of the population.
In improving environmental education, the Ministry of Climate cooperates with the Ministry of Education and Research and other institutions engaged with environmental education.
Environmental education specialists
The Ministry of Climate supports the improvement of sustainable development by developing the respective infrastructure in Estonia, training continuously natural and environmental education specialists, improving sustainable development related study materials, and by providing free programmes supporting national curriculums for tens of thousands of students over Estonia.
According to the ministries’ agreement, by now, a suitable infrastructure for practical environmental education has been developed in the area of government of the Ministry of Climate, and the work is conducted by specialists with respective education.
Estonian Museum of Natural History is a nature education centre of the area of government of the Ministry of Climate, where three nature education specialists work. The total of approximately 20,000 students a year participates in the study programmes of the Estonian Museum of Natural History that support the national curriculum. As a parallel activity, the museum also organises the further training of teachers. It is worthwhile to take a look at the website of the Estonian Museum of Natural History from time to time; virtual exhibitions may be also found there on the basis of the museum collections.
State Forest Management Centre has developed a network of nature centres covering the entire state, with competent specialists as its employees. RMK nature centres also provide study programmes to approximately 20,000 students, compiled on the basis of the national curriculum.
On the initiative of the Ministry of Climate, a web-based database has been created, where one can find study programmes that support the national curriculum as well as contact details of institutions that offer environmental education - and this irrespective of the affiliation or form of ownership.
Last updated: 15.10.2025
