A workshop organized by the Museum of Environmental Education San Pedro de Pamplona and the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra, brought together teachers and environmental experts around a common discussion : "The Environmental Education , core topic for a better future".

Professor Ignacio López-Goñi, Dean of the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra, inaugurated the sessions by presenting the Degree in Environmental Sciences, which will be offered from September of this year at the University of Navarra. According to López-Goñi, the Degree was created to"study environmental problems correctly, manage natural resources properly and propose models of sustainable development to society". The professor emphasized the great variety and opportunity of job opportunities and the advantage of having Navarra as an 'authentic natural laboratory '. "A land, -he emphasized-, rich in diversity and landscapes".

For his part, José Fermín Costero, manager of diary 21 Local of the City Council of Pamplona, presented the activities of the museum, focusing on those aimed at schoolchildren and for citizens to learn and participate in the sustainable development . Among others he listed: the classroom of Sustainability, the documentary film series or the week of the mobility. Costero, graduate in Environmental Sciences, stressed the importance of the environmental Education as a professional opportunity for the present and future.

Educational and integrating role

Finally, Fernando Echarri, doctor in environmental Education and professor of department of Environmental Biology of the University of Navarra, asked the following question What is it about the environment that brings us back to the very center of our being?. In his opinion, " Education is core topic to reduce environmental problems. We should not limit ourselves to using the environment as a mere resource educational , since it is in itself an educator". He also pointed out that an environmental educator of the 21st century must, in the first place,"teach respect for nature and contemplation, emphasizing the great potential of spiritual experiences as source for transformation".

In the colloquium following the speeches, the importance of educating in values was discussed, "since the environmental Education is, by nature, Education in values" and a commitment was made to integrate families and society in general "to overcome many obstacles". Issues such as biodiversity, recycling, energy and mobility would be strengthened if values such as respect, cooperation, participation and responsibility were integrated.