ABOUT US
WHAT IS AAEEWA
The AAEE, both nationally and in Western Australia, seeks to:
- promote environmental education as defined by UNESCO/UNEP
- develop projects for broad application within the field of environmental education
- promote coordination among bodies engaged in environmental education and training
- cooperate and/or affiliate with any other bodies with similar aims for the more effective furtherance of these aims
- promote the cooperation of relevant groups and individuals
- raise funds from its members, from grants or from any other sources for the advancement of environmental education
- publish, distribute, and disseminate matters arising out of and in connection with the Association and environmental education
- hold conferences, meetings, seminars and gatherings to promote environmental education
- publish a journal of environmental education.
These purposes are stated in the constitution of the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
AAEE WA CONSTITUTION 2018
AAEEWA Executive Committee
The AAEE WA Chapter is made up of a diverse range of people involved in the Environmental Education field. This is reflected in our Executive Committee. The members of the committee include:
Convenor: Dr Jennifer Pearson
Treasurer: Ms Amy Krupa
Secretary: Mr Jason Pitman
Membership Officer: Dr Elaine Lewis
The AAEEWA network group meets every month on the third Thursday from 4.00 to 5.30pm at the Canning River Eco Education Centre. We also provide a Zoom link to enable members from rural and regional areas to join in. This provides an opportunity to keep in touch about the developments in Environmental Education in WA and to plan for joint projects with a diverse range of people.
AAEEWA also have a monthly E Bulletin called the Environmental Educators Network (EEN) that features events, training opportunities and ways to get involved with environmental education in WA. If you would like to subscribe to the E Bulletin or you have an event to advertise then email een@aaeewa.org.au.
The AAEE WA Chapter Annual Report for 2024 can be found here, thank you to everyone who contibuted to the many wonderful activities delivered over the year.
WHAT THE WA CHAPTER DOES
EVENTS
AAEEWA organise regular events throughout the year including Catchments Corridors & Coasts (CCC), a finalist in the 2009 WA Environmental Awards. This three day, professional development course is for environmental educators, local and state government personnel, sustainable schools initiative participants, teachers, student teachers, university and TAFE students community groups and members and youth organisations.
WORKSHOPS
At least three times a year we have guest speakers involved in environmental education who inform members about their innovative programs. Topics cover threatened species, new computer programs for schools, Aboriginal education, government initiatives and much more.
MEETINGS
The Chapter meets every month on the third Thursday from 4.00 to 5.30pm at the Canning River Eco Education Centre, Kent Street, Wilson. This provides an opportunity to keep in touch about the developments in Environmental Education in WA and to plan for joint projects with a diverse range of people.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Every two years, one of the state or territory Chapters of AAEE hosts the National Conference. These conferences are a great opportunity for our community to celebrate our successes and reinforce our beliefs that we are making a difference for the generations to come.
RECONCILIATION
AAEEWA has long been committed to Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Acknowledgement of Country may be found on the Home page.
In 2015 AAEEWA formed a RAP Committee to develop our RAP. During the following years following wide consultation within the organisation and with external stakeholders including Aboriginal people.
This was offered to the National AAEE Executive in 2018 for consideration as a model for a National AAEE RAP. Consultation with all State & Territory Chapters has resulted in an Endorsed Reflect National AAEE RAP.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
AAEEWA approaches the SDGs from a ‘systems thinking’ perspective, with the understanding that the goals interact upon each other, rather than being separate, silo, unrelated goals.
The five key SDGs that are the main focus of AAEEWA’s work include:
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 4: EDUCATION: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. 4.7 By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
AAEEWA actions: Forums, Conferences, CCC, Earth Day, Science and Sustainability Community Expos, BEES Day, Reconciliation Action Plan.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Supporting vulnerable regions will directly contribute not only to Goal 13 but also to the other SDGs. These actions must also go hand in hand with efforts to integrate disaster risk measures, sustainable natural resource management, and human security into national development strategies.
AAEEWA actions: Forums, Conferences, CCC, Earth Day, Science and Sustainability Community Expos, BEES Day.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 14: LIFE UNDER WATER: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
AAEEWA actions: Turtle Watch, Forums, Conferences, CCC, Earth Day, Science and Sustainability Community Expos, BEES Day.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 15: ON THE LAND: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. 15.1 By 2030, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
AAEEWA actions: CCC, Turtle Watch, Earth Day, Science and Sustainability Community Expos, BEES Day.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 17: PARTNERSHIPS: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
AAEEWA actions: Partnerships for Earth Day, Science and Sustainability Community Expos, BEES Day, CCC, Forums, Conferences, international links (Arab Gateway).
Knowing you are there and that we are all working together in a diversity of ways towards common goals with often controversial issues is priceless. I never feel isolated, but am part of a cohesive, supportive, diverse, knowledgeable and collaborative community.
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