This book aims at introducing readers to the different ways in which environmental education is viewed and perceived on an international basis. It is one of the outcomes of the
First World Environmental Education Congress
(FWEEC) held in Espinho, Portugal, on 20
th
-24
May, 2003. FWEEC gathered 282 participants from 38 countries, offering an international platform for educators, scientists, researchers, scholars, politicians, technicians, activists, the media and teachers to present and debate key issues in environmental education world wide. It includes many of the papers delivered in the Congress and a few additional ones, in an attempt to both document international experiences and promote them to a wide audience. This publication is meant to pave the ground for the UN International Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) by addressing one of the oldest and yet one of the most pressing needs in environmental education today: the need to document experiences and promote good practice. This book will be useful to those undertaking research, practical projects and doing works on the ground in both formal and non-formal teaching. The extensive body of information and knowledge gathered by the authors will be helpful to both researchers and practitioners, contributing towards developing their capacity so that they may become even better at what they do.