What is Health and Environmental Education and Promotion?

The definition and challenges of Health and Environmental Education (HEE) have evolved over time and through the years.  Laws, environmental disasters, health crises, the creation of ministries, and the implementation of national programs are all factors that have contributed to the development of this distinct field.

ESE stems from the convergence of two fields of action: Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD) and Health Education and Promotion (HEP).  It is a form of citizenship education based on the desire to empower individuals so they can take an active role in their own development. It is grounded in education about making choices, living together, and quality of life.  It promotes listening, tolerance, and critical thinking to develop the ability to participate in public debate (health and environmental democracy) and to act in an informed manner.

Moreover, these themes and questions touch on several dimensions that blend education, public health, environmental protection, territorial issues, social justice, and more, which explains the complexity of defining it.

These links, now clearly established, are a concern for public authorities, civil society actors, and citizens alike. Citizens must be able to understand, express themselves, participate, and take action on these issues.
To move in this direction, support at both the individual and collective levels is necessary. This involves equipping educational stakeholders and fostering partnership dynamics on these issues.

Difficulty level: Easy