ANNUAL REPORT 2019 The world’s largest environmental organisation Contents Welcome

Welcome 2019 has been another full and exciting year for FEE. And now everything has changed. As we prepare this report in the spring of 2019 Highlights 2020, we are in the grip of the Coronavirus pandemic. Our approach to this, supporting our members and partners, protecting our staff, Climate Crisis Strategy Development providing useful resources and information has taken priority over The Global Forest Fund everything. Yet in these challenging times we feel that we can make a change with our powerful global network of FEE members. This is why I am proud to present our 2019 The Litter Less Campaign report and am very confident that together we can overcome this difficult time and work towards the vital Blue Flag environmental transformation we need to achieve. Eco-Schools With this in mind and in response to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report issued in September 2019, the FEE Board of Directors made a significant decision to put FEE at the fore- Green Key front of tackling three of the most critical challenges facing our world: climate change, loss of biodiversity Learning about Forests and pollution. Intense work is being undertaken, involving our members, partners and experts to develop a strategy and approach that puts these critical issues at the heart of our programmes and our organisation. Young Reporters for the Environment Stories from the Programmes Our FEE network continues to grow and develop. During 2019, we welcomed eight new members to the FEE family during the year and maintained our important partnerships with UN institutions and the 25 Years of YRE corporate sector. FEE worked with UNFCCC in support of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) Board of Directors and Head Office Staff in Madrid and as a partner in the UNESCO Global Action Programme joined the call to scale-up climate change education and make mandatory in schools around the world. Member Organisations In November, with the support of the Mars Wrigley Foundation, the Global Forest Fund was launched Institutional and Corporate Partners to the general public, allowing travellers to calculate their carbon emissions and invest in projects that provide valuable resources and environmental education to communities around the world.

Cover photo: Litter Less Campaign Scotland, ©Keep Scotland All our programmes and projects have had a successful year, but I must give special mention to Eco- Beautiful Schools which celebrated 25 years with the “I’ve got the power” video campaign and a landmark publica- · Registration: Foundation for Environmental Education is tionChanging Together to celebrate a quarter century of excellence in environmental education. a private company limited by guarantee and registered in England & Wales with company number 04752279 and Our thoughts are with you all as we try and support one another and continue to look to the future beyond registered office at 74 The Close, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 this challenging time. 4DR. Registered charity number 1148274. · Content provided by FEE Board of Directors and Head Office staff Stay safe! · Edited by Nora Schuh · Design and graphic production by Kindly Lesley Jones Daniel Schaffer · Unless otherwise noted, all images President, FEE Board of Directors FEE Chief Executive Officer ©Foundation for Environmental Education A Message from Lourdes Díaz Colón

Life works in mysterious ways! I and responsibility. That its success relies on the integ- decision makers from government and private sectors, would have never imagined that rity, professionalism and commitment of its members; and building leadership and knowledge among the when I first got to know about the their guidance gives life to the direction we provide as youth in EE/ESD. As you can see, there is so much Foundation for Environmental the Board of Directors. more work ahead of us, but together we can succeed. Education through Blue Flag in 1999, I would be here in 2020 writing this I leave with great pride in the job done, knowing Finally, I want to express my gratitude for providing message and reflecting upon these years in FEE. An that those who follow will be of great service to this me these wonderful years of personal and profession- organization that began with an aim to spread organization in both tough times and also in times al growth and so much happiness! environmental education amongst young people of great opportunity. FEE should and will continue (before my time) has become the leading international to work towards healing our planet and elevating environmental education organization recognized by the quality of life of its inhabitants. Why? Because the UN, UNESCO, WTO among many others who that is who we are and what we do. How? Through today see us as their partners. our philosophy of being a positive, action-based Lourdes Díaz Colón organization. One that does not only talk but walks FEE Board of Directors, 2008-2020 Looking back, I was fortunate to represent one of the the walk. One that realizes that it cannot act alone first Caribbean countries in Blue Flag when FEE had but seeks the guidance of experts, partners and its recently dropped the last E in its name and become own members to find the best strategies and actions an international organization after introducing South to create awareness and solutions that will lead us Africa. I became part of the Board of Directors in closer to that sustainable world we all strive to grasp. 2008 and have been involved in many developments, I can unequivocally say that FEE will continue making such as the unification process that gave structure to great contributions to this world, demonstrating that our organization and the current development of a with simple and realistic actions we can achieve much strategical response to the climate change crisis. Also, more. Despite the challenges we face time after time, I have had the opportunity to share a bit of knowledge FEE, together with its members, will overcome them and experience with my mentor countries throughout with true leadership. these many years, which I have to say has been the highlight of this whole experience. Being in contact To the FEE family, I invite you to continue the fantas- and working together to see our members grow and tic work you are doing nationally and globally, as the become successful in the implementation of the pro- future is in our hands. Through our programs we are grams is most gratifying. creating awareness and addressing the main issues of conservation, pollution, biodiversity and climate As you can see, I have lived many experiences change that we all face. But, we need to continue throughout the years, and one thing I can say of this seeking new ways of confronting them. We need organization is that it has always known its mission to continue working with the experts, influencing

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3 2019 Highlights

NEW MEMBERS CHILDREN FOR CHILDREN CAMPAIGN AWARDS AND RECOGNITION The Board of Directors was pleased to welcome the In September 2019, more than 70,000 people, FEE was given the accolade of best non-profit organi- following organisations as members of the Foundation including at least 18,000 students and teachers, were sation at the inaugural Sustainary SDG Tech Awards in for Environmental Education in 2019. left without homes when the category five Hurricane Copenhagen. The SDG Tech Awards are a celebration Dorian stuck the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama of start-ups, corporations, research groups and NGOs Associate membership: in The Bahamas. Twelve Eco-Schools were severely that develop technology and solutions for the Sustain- • Alma Tierra (Argentina) damaged or destroyed in the storm. In November, FEE able Development Goals. FEE’s International Eco- • IPSDI (Burundi) teamed up with our member organisation the Bahamas Schools Coordinator Nicole Andreou was recognised • Underwater Exploration Institute (Bermuda) Reef Environmental Education Foundation (BREEF) to as one of environmental education’s 30 under 30 by the • Eco-Schools Canada (Canada) launch the Children for Children Campaign to mobilise North American Association for Environmental Educa- support for recovery efforts and show solidarity with tion (NAEE) for her work to empower students to lead Affiliate membership: students, teachers and schools in The Bahamas. The sustainable lifestyles and promote access to quality • Green Growth Asia Foundation (Malaysia) campaign also aims to raise global educational aware- education through Education for Sustainable Develop- • Visit Åland (Finland) ness of our increasing vulnerability to natural disasters ment. Eco-Schools was also chosen by HundrED as one • Sail Training International due to climate change. Eco-Schools students around of 100 inspiring innovations that are changing the face • LEPL Batumi Boulevard (Georgia) the world are invited to participate in the campaign of K-12 education today. and learn about climate change risk reduction and re- silience. Every Children for Children Campaign project includes a fundraising component to directly benefit infrastructure recovery for the affected Eco-Schools in The Bahamas.

To join the campaign or donate to recovery efforts, visit www.ecoschools.global/childrenforchildren GLOBAL MEETINGS In 2019, the FEE Board of Directors meetings were held in Los Cabos (Mexico) in February, in Copenhagen (Denmark) in April, in Chalikidiki (Greece) in June and in Bucharest (Romania) in October. In addition, the five FEE programmes organised successful National Operator Meetings through- out the year: Learning about Forests in Limerick (Ireland) in March, Young Reporters for the Environment in Shanghai (China) in April, Blue Flag in Blackpool (England) in October, Eco-Schools in Reeuwijk (the Netherlands) in November and Green Key in Doha (Qatar) in December.

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS FOR STUDENT CLIMATE STRIKES GROWTH IN LATIN AMERICA POSITIVE CHANGE 2019 saw millions of students around the world join to- FEE has been endeavouring over the past several years to FEE once again worked with gether to call for those in power to take immediate action expand its presence in underrepresented regions, includ- UNFCCC in support of the on the urgent climate crisis. The Youth Strike for Climate is ing Latin America. Extensive strategic work with regional 2019 UN Climate Change Con- an unprecedented international movement by the world’s leaders has resulted in a more widespread global reach ference (COP25) in Madrid, youth to take a stand for the future of their planet. FEE than ever before. There are now FEE member organisa- Spain. FEE partnered with released the following statement in response to these tions in five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Earth Day Network to sponsor students’ inspiring efforts: , Colombia and Mexico. The FEE staff and Board of a COP25 event that explored Directors have been working closely with member organ- the connections between Our goal is to support students from all over the world in isations and local leaders to ensure the successful imple- climate change, ecosystems, their personal and professional growth, encouraging them to mentation of the FEE programmes in Latin America. The biodiversity and the role of take a leadership role. The essence of FEE is to provide them addition of members from new regions adds diversity and environmental education with knowledge and practical tools to live a more sustainable vitality to FEE’s already strong global network, enhancing as a tool to promote greater life, strengthening their adaptability and resilience to future our impact on positive change around the world. understanding of key actions challenges. We are pleased to see young people take a stand to address the climate crisis. and we strongly agree with their demand on making climate FEE also continued to work to- change education a higher priority wards Education for Sustaina- ble Development (ESD) action with the UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD. Along with other global organisations and institutions, FEE joined the call to scale-up climate change education and make environmental educa- tion a mandatory part of the curriculum in schools around the world.

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 Climate Crisis Strategy Development

In September 2019, the United Nations Intergovern- The interconnected themes of climate change, loss of For almost forty years, FEE has been empowering mil- mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published biodiversity and pollution are already embedded in lions of people around the world to become leaders of a Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a many aspects of the FEE programmes and projects. The sustainability and positive change. As we work to devel- Changing Climate. The report highlighted the urgency Global Forest Fund, Great Plant Hunt and Litter Less op a strategy to scale-up our impact on the most urgent of the climate crisis and made it clear that immediate Campaign connect directly with climate change, biodi- environmental challenges of our time, the experience action is needed to stay within the global target of a versity and pollution respectively. Each of the five FEE and expertise of the FEE network will prove invaluable. maximum 1.5 °C temperature rise above pre-indus- programmes relates to some extent to education and/ trial levels. In response to this latest IPCC report and or positive action for each of key challenges. Internally, Together, we can strengthen FEE’s contribution to in recognition of FEE’s responsibility to maximise the FEE Board of Directors and Head Office staff have positive change and push even harder for the future of our global impact, the FEE Board of Directors made already begun to reconsider our own climate impact by our planet. the decision to refocus our efforts and resources to significantly reducing travel and developing a compre- address three of the most critical challenges facing hensive internal environmental impact policy. our planet: climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution.

To that end, the Board of Directors began the process in 2019 of developing a new FEE strategy for the coming years that prioritises proactive action on the three key challenges. In keeping with FEE’s demo- cratic structure, the strategy development process will involve input from our global network of experts, partners, member organisations and other stakehold- ers. The Board of Directors will present the ambitious new strategic goals and action plan for member approval at the next FEE General Assembly.

“There is a pressing need to prioritise FEE’s limited resources to focus on these three main themes that are intrinsically linked. We have an important role to play in addressing the urgency of the situation and to commit to a strategy and approach that puts these critical issues at the heart of our programmes and our organisation.”

Photo: ©Foundation for Environmental Education –Lesley Jones, President, FEE Board of Directors

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Global Forest Fund: Compensate to Educate

Since 2008, the Global Forest Fund has across a range of transport options and compensate for increase environmental awareness and in the process supported over 120 tree planting and envi- those emissions by investing in projects that make a real promote sustainability and support communities. ronmental education projects worldwide. and lasting environmental impact. The Global Forest After over a decade of compensating for Fund is available to individuals and organisations that The Global Forest Fund is distinguished from other our organisation’s own travel emissions want to reduce their carbon footprint while at the same carbon compensation schemes by its transparency, with the Global Forest Fund, FEE has de- time providing valuable resources and environmental integrity and educational components. In addition to veloped this internal carbon compensation education to communities around the world. tree planting, Global Forest Fund projects support tool into a cutting-edge platform available community awareness-raising activities and lessons in to the public. Thanks to funding from the 90% of the funds raised by the Global Forest Fund are environmental stewardship. Children, youth and adults Mars Wrigley Foundation, the redeveloped Global awarded directly to these impactful projects, with only are empowered with a sense of ownership over their Forest Fund was officially launched in November 2019. 10% going to administrative costs. Global Forest Fund local environment and are inspired to strive for a more projects are awarded based on their ability to educate sustainable future. The new Global Forest Fund calculator and web plat- and connect school children with nature, capture carbon, form allows travellers to calculate their carbon emissions alleviate hunger, mitigate desertification, prevent erosion, Visit www.gff.global to learn more.

Prikazka , Bulgaria, 2015 Kete-Krachi Schools, Ghana, 2017

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 7 The Litter Less Campaign: Positive Change for a Cleaner Planet Transforming Plastic Waste in Kenya

The Litter Less Cam- conserve more resources, are In 2019, as part of the Litter Less munity managed to collect a total of paign is a joint initiative more knowledgeable about waste Campaign, Ruaraka High School over 500 kg of plastics. of FEE and the Mars and recycling issues and are less in Kenya focused on addressing a Wrigley Foundation. likely to litter than their peers who serious plastic waste issue they were This Litter Less Campaign project has The campaign educates do not participate in the campaign. facing in and around their school. drastically reduced plastics around students on the issues of litter and Litter Less Campaign students are Students started by collecting used the school and shopping centre, waste, engages their communities also more likely to share informa- ballpoint pens and plastic bottles that and now has the full support of the in awareness-raising activities and tion about the environment and were scattered around the school local community and administration. encourages them to make choices motivate others to improve the compound, and the collected plastics Through public awareness-raising that will reduce their environ- way they handle waste. were then turned into decorations for activities about the effects of plas- mental impact and conserve the school. tics on the environment, the school resources. Since 2011, the Litter Along with significant improve- and community have also observed Less Campaign has engaged over ment in students’ knowledge, To enhance the campaign’s impact, reduced incidences of plastic littering three million students around the attitudes and behaviour, some- the school partnered with local com- by local residents. Since the school world through the Eco-Schools thing that marks the Litter Less munity members to collect plastics is located in a highly populated and Young Reporters for the Campaign as particularly effective around the neighbouring shopping neighbourhood, the initiative is now Environment programmes. Phase is its impact beyond the schools. centre. Through this initiative, the serving as a best practice example III of the campaign, which ran from It is not only students that reap school forged a strong working for plastic waste management in the 2017-2019, was implemented in the rewards of the Litter Less relationship with the community community. 15 countries across five conti- Campaign, but their communities and turned plastic collection and nents. Phase IV of the campaign as well. The campaign engages recycling into a shared activity. By was launched in the second half of students, teachers, parents, local the end of 2019, the school and com- 2019, and will continue until 2021. leaders and other members of the community. Since litter and Once phase III came to a close, pollution are such universal issues, FEE conducted a thorough Litter Less Campaign projects start impact assessment to assess the in the school and inevitably grow campaign’s effectiveness. Based out into the surrounding areas. on the impact assessment, it is As a result, Litter Less Campaign clear that the Litter Less Campaign students become leaders driving has a positive impact on students’ sustainability and positive behav- knowledge, attitude and opinion ioural change in their communities leadership with respect to litter and beyond. and waste management. Students who participate in the campaign

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION The Final Day of Action in England Student Campaign Against Plastic Bags in Malta A highlight of the Litter Less Cam- the schools who collected the most paign in England was the Final Day of litter and to the school that collected Action when all 29 schools involved the most unusual piece of litter. As part of the Litter Less Campaign, students’ activities attracted the in the campaign, after their sixth and a group of Young Reporters for attention of the local media and final litter pick, marched to Abbey The next day, the event was men- the Environment students from St. they were invited to appear on Park in Leicester to protest against tioned in the Daily Mail national Thomas More College Secondary national television to talk about the litter in their community. Their signs newspaper and used to help launch Zejtun in Malta decided to create a campaign. and banners were created from some Keep Britain Tidy’s “Great Big School media campaign against single-use of the litter they had gathered. In the Clean” and “Great British Spring plastic shopping bags. They took The students’ teacher, Annalisa lead up to this final Day of Action, Clean” (also supported by the Mars multiple actions to make their “Stop Sant, was impressed by the skills schools had also competed to come Wrigley Foundation). Using Plastic” (SUP) campaign a the students learned during the up with a chant to shout during the success in and outside their school. process and their determination to march. raise awareness of the importance Not only did they create a number of reducing plastic waste. The Several hundred students and of promotional materials, a dedicat- students also experienced first- teachers attended the Day of Action, ed Facebook page, and a ques- hand the positive effects of their along with a Mars Wrigley UK tionnaire to raise awareness of the campaign. “I learnt that people are representative, Daily Mail national issue, they also went to the streets, ready to listen to our advice and press and the Leicester City Football talking with local shop owners and find alternatives to reduce plastic club. At Abbey Park, the grand total customers to encourage people bags,” concluded one Litter Less for all 174 litter picks was announced to start using reusable bags. The Campaign student. - 781.33 kg! Prizes were awarded to

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 9 Photo: ©Naoise Culhane

Blue Flag

BLUE FLAG FACTS As one of the world’s most recognizable eco-labels for over 30 years, Blue Flag continued to expand its international presence in 2019 and looks forward to • There are over 4,500 Blue Flag more growth in the future. beaches, marinas and tourism boats in 47 countries around the world. After years of hard work, the first beaches in Colombia As part of continuing efforts to make beaches more • 8.4 million people visited Blue Flag and South Korea received Blue Flags in 2019. Cabo accessible to all, Blue Flag initiated partnerships with sites in 2019. Verde, Argentina, Chile, India, Finland and the Åland Wheelmap and Total Beach Access in 2019. Wheelmap Islands are all working on implementing the Blue Flag is a free online map that rates the wheelchair accessi- • Over 20,000 environmental educa- programme within the next few years. Blue Flag has bility of public places, and Total Beach Access manufac- tion activities were conducted on been working closely with countries in South America tures wheelchair accessible walkways and amphibious Blue Flag sites in 2019. in particular to expand the programme in that region. wheelchairs for beaches. Blue Flag also began a new partnership with Triscovery, an online platform that • South Africa was the first country Blue Flag International Director Sophie Bachet Grana- allows travellers to book boating experiences on Tri- outside of Europe to fly the Blue Flag dos was a featured speaker at the European Tourism scovery’s environmentally responsible fleet. over its beaches. Conference on Europe’s Outdoor and Adventure Travel in Los Angeles in February, where she made a presenta- Blue Flag has been awarding Tourism Boats since 2016, • Blue Flag published a document in tion about Blue Flag to enhance the programme’s vis- and now certifies almost 70 Tourism Boats around the 2019 explaining how the programme ibility in the American market. She was also present at world. As part of the growing boating sector programme, contributes to each of the 17 Sustain- the International Congress on Technology and Tourism Blue Flag has been working with Sail Training International able Development Goals. for Diversity in Malaga, Spain to discuss how standardi- to develop a set of criteria for sail training vessels. The Blue sation in the tourism industry through programmes like Flag for Sail Training Vessels will officially launch in 2020, www.blueflag.global Blue Flag can improve accessibility. so expect to see more Blue Flags flying on the seas.

OUR PARTNERS IN 2019

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Photo: @Eco-Shools

Eco-Schools

2019 marked the 25th anniversary of the Eco-Schools programme. In its 25th ECO-SCHOOLS FACTS Anniversary Declaration, Eco-Schools affirmed Education for Sustainable Devel- opment as a human right and pledged to continue to engage children around the • In 2019, Eco-Schools engaged nearly world in positive action. 20 million students and 1.5 million teachers from over 60,000 schools in 68 countries around the world. Eco-Schools celebrated their 25th anniversary with the be featured as best practice examples in an upcoming “I’ve got the power” video campaign to give everyone Eco-Schools International publication. • Burundi became the newest country reached by the programme over the years the oppor- to join the Eco-Schools family in 2019, tunity to share a powerful eco-message with the global In partnership with Lucart Professional, Eco-Schools where it is implemented through Na- community. Based on the video submissions, loss of International began piloting the Eco-Schools Project for tional Operator IPSDI. biodiversity and plastic waste are the two most pressing Advancing Circular Economy (E-SPACE) in Latvia and issues where Eco-Schools students want to see action. Slovenia to educate students about the circular economy • 121 institutions are Eco-Schools also released the landmark publication and empower them to take action. The Alcoa Warming- now on board through FEE EcoCampus. Changing Together to celebrate a quarter century of ex- Waste-Water-Watts-Wildlife (W5), Toyota Fund for cellence in environmental education. Changing Together Europe Great Plant Hunt and Mars Wrigley Foundation • Eco-Schools enables students from is dedicated to the teachers who are at the forefront of Litter Less Campaign projects continued to engage 41 schools in 24 countries without a providing children with engaging and stimulating envi- students around the world on a range of topics related to National Operator to experience the ronmental education experiences. Education for Sustainable Development. programme through the International Schools initiative. Eco-Schools launched their first Teacher Lesson Plan 2019 was also a year of awards and recognitions for Eco- Competition in 2019 based on the 2018 FEE publi- Schools. International Eco-Schools Coordinator Nicole • With over 3,000 Green Flags, Ireland cation Positive Action for the SDGs. The competition Andreou was named one of Environmental Education’s 30 has more Green Flag awarded schools is an opportunity to celebrate Eco-Schools teachers’ under 30 by the North American Association for Environ- than any other country in the world. contributions to Education for Sustainable Development mental Education (NAAEE). Eco-Schools was also chosen and inspire further engagement in the Sustainable De- by HundrED as one of 100 inspiring innovations that are www.ecoschools.global velopment Goals (SDGs). The winning lesson plans will changing the face of K-12 education today.

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 11 Photo: @Green Key

Green Key

GREEN KEY FACTS Green Key celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019 with another year of inter- national growth, collaboration and new partnerships. • There are over 3,200 Green Key awarded hospitality establishments in 65 countries around the world. Green Key continued to extend its global influence in the companies’ innovative products. Green Key contin- 2019 with new agreements with three hotel chains. NH ued its relationships with many other valued corporate, • In addition to hotels, Green Key also Hotel Group and Green Key announced a collaboration institutional, web and NGO partners in 2019. Green Key recognises restaurants, conference agreement for Green Key to play a prominent role in International Director Finn Bolding Thomsen was present centers, attractions, campsites, holiday helping the NH Hotel Group achieve ambitious sustain- at the 50th Anniversary World Forum of the World parks and other types of accommoda- ability goals for their hotels around the world. After nine Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education and tion that meet sustainability standards. years of successful partnership in Europe, the Middle Training (AMFORHT) to make presentations about Green East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group and Green Key Key and FEE. • The first Green Key establishments in renewed their agreement for another three years and Ethiopia, Nigeria, Scotland, Northern expanded it to include hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2019, Green Key initiated a revision process of the Ireland, Brazil, Suriname, Colombia and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel criteria and explanatory notes for 2021-2025. Green Australia were awarded in 2019. franchising company, initiated a collaboration agree- Key National Operators, awarded establishments, ment with Green Key to support Wyndham’s sustaina- partners and other stakeholders have been invited to • Green Key is an active participant in the bility efforts for their hotels in Europe, the Middle East, provide input on the revisions to further strengthen the World Tourism Organization’s Working Africa and Eurasia. Green Key programme in the years to come. Group on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through the tour- Green Key was fortunate to form several new partner- www.greenkey.global ism industry. ships in 2019. Green Key entered corporate partnerships with Werner-Mertz, Ecolab, ACT.Global and Divello to • Green Key offers its participants and promote sustainability in the hospitality industry through applicants a detailed toolbox to sup- port their sustainability efforts as well as access to personalised carbon and OUR PARTNERS IN 2019 water calculation tools.

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Photo: @LEAF

Learning about Forests

Learning about Forests (LEAF) continued to grow in 2019, engaging more LEAF FACTS students in outdoor learning and hands-on educational experiences than ever before. • In 2019, LEAF engaged almost 700,000 students from over 5,000 schools in 28 countries around the world. As LEAF closes in on twenty years of using nature as was present at the European Forum on Urban Forestry classroom, the programme continues to inspire students in Germany in May, where LEAF International Director • While most LEAF students are in around the world to connect with nature and protect the Barry McGonigal made a presentation about the LEAF , the programme also environment. In 2019, LEAF students planted more trees programme in regards to and Edu- has participants from 30 schools at the than they have in any previous year! cation for Sustainable Development. Barry McGonigal college and university levels. also attended the 14th European Forest Pedagogics The 2019 LEAF National Operators Meeting (NOM) in Congress in Latvia in July, which was hosted by LEAF • Over 30,000 teachers participated in Limerick, Ireland was once again a great opportunity for National Operator JSC Latvia’s State Forests. the LEAF programme in 2019. the LEAF network to share best practices and collaborate on programme development. The NOM agenda focused With the ever-growing volume of scientific literature • LEAF started in Europe and now has on the psychological impact of LEAF and highlighted the espousing the benefits of outdoor education, the LEAF participants on all six inhabited conti- Sustainable Development Goals and their connection programme is proud to have been delivering quality nents. to the programme. The fantastic work that LEAF Ireland outdoor learning for nearly two decades. As the need to does with the programme was on full display, and Nation- reconnect the next generation with their natural world • According to the Food and Agriculture al Operators from 28 countries around the world were grows, so too will the drive and ambition of Learning Organizaion of the United Nations, able to benefit from the experience and expertise of their about Forests! forests are home to 80% of life on land. fellow outdoor educators. The NOM also reunited three former and current International LEAF directors: Bjørn www.leaf.global Helge Bjørnstad, Rachel Geary and Barry McGonigal.

LEAF was also active at several international meetings and conferences throughout the year. The programme

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 13 Photo: @YRE

Young Reporters for the Environment

YRE FACTS Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019 and continued to empower youth around the world to give the environment a voice. • 360,000 students from 4,835 schools in 45 countries participated in YRE in 2019. YRE marked the landmark anniversary with a special The annual YRE International Competition was once • Starting in 2019, students from Inter- one-minute video competition open to all students and again a success, drawing over 200 articles, photos and national Schools in countries without alumni to share their passion for the programme. The video submissions from Young Reporters in 36 countries. a FEE National Operator were able to programme also launched a new online platform called The submissions were evaluated by a jury of environmen- participate in the YRE programme. the YRE Hub, where every YRE student around the tal journalism experts, and the winning entries were pub- world can share their stories, photos and videos with licized on the YRE, Medium and Climate Tracker websites. • YRE students produced over 16,000 an international audience. YRE was also given a special A new category for photo stories will be launched at the pieces of environmental journalism for commendation from the Global Youth & News Media next YRE International Competition in 2020. national YRE competitions in 2019. Prize jury for its quarter century of work educating young journalists. YRE students participating in the Litter Less Campaign • YRE students range in age from 11-25, had another successful year reporting on issues related from primary school to university level. 19 YRE students were given the opportunity to report to litter, waste and pollution in their communities. Their from high-level international environmental conferences stories attracted the attention of local and regional • YRE was first conceived in 1991, in 2019. These included the International Conference leaders, and some of the problems the Young Reporters when student reporters accompanied on Sustainability , the World Environ- brought to light were solved as a result! All told, YRE scientists to the North Pole to study the mental Education Congress in Thailand, the Youth Mun- students’ environmental reporting reached over 6.5 depleting ozone layer. YRE was launched dus Festival in Italy, the Northern Dimension Future million people in 2019. as an international programme three Forum in Finland and COP25 in Spain. YRE conducted years later in 1994. workshops at the events in India and Italy to educate students about environmental journalism. www.yre.global

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Stories from the Programmes

Blue Flag Eco-Schools TERRY THE TURTLE’S BEEKEEPING AND FISH WORLD TOUR FARMING MICRO-PROJECTS In October 2019, Terry the Digalama Primary School in Turtle, Blue Flag’s #turtlewithoutborders, Tanzania is surrounded by the Mkingu began a trip around the world to visit Blue Nature Reserve, which has global signif- Flag destinations. Terry’s first stop was the icance due to its richness in biodiversity beautiful country of South Africa, where and endemic species. The area is at risk tourism boats, marinas and beaches were because local communities are dependent all top priorities on the to-do list. Terry is on harvesting its resources, but Eco- not an everyday turtle - Terry was hand- Schools students at Digalama Primary made by Moses Rombayi, a South African School have a solution. With the support doll-maker originally from Zimbabwe. Terry of local and international partners, the visited many famous sites in South Africa, school invested in beehives and a fishing including the Blue Flag awarded Llandudno pond to provide resources and revenue. and Muizenberg beaches in Cape Town. The students and educators had harvest- Terry even got up close and personal with ed and sold 766 litres of honey by the end his fellow marine critters on the Apex of 2019, which raised 7.2 million Tanza- Predator, a Blue Flag awarded tourism boat nian Shillings to invest in future projects. that offers Great White Shark cage diving The students also learned about ecology, tours. Terry is now swimming north to environmental conservation, mathematics spend the summer season on Europe’s Blue and entrepreneurship. The beekeeping Flag beaches! and fish farming projects are now being replicated in the local community, thereby reducing reliance on forest products from the Mkingu Nature Reserve and protect- ing its important ecosystem.

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 15 Green Key LEAF YRE WEATHERING THE FOREST GAMES IN WHY AM I A YRE? STORM WITH RENEWA- NORWAY “YRE is the one decision BLE ENERGY Norway is the most active which time and time again When Hurricane Maria hit LEAF country in the world, has proven to be the best I Puerto Rico in 2017, the Green Key with 140,000 students participating have ever made. I’ve been a YRE for six awarded Casa Sol Bed & Breakfast in the programme in 2019. Since 2015, years now, and each year supersedes became a centre of support in the LEAF students have been challenged the previous. 2019 was a wonderful one community because it had one unique to take part in the annual Forest where I got to utilise skills gained through feature: solar panels. While much of Games. The goal of the Forest Games other YRE events in the previous years. I the island was without regular elec- is to increase students’ knowledge got to present my experience of COP24 tricity for months, Casa Sol was able of forests and to promote physical in front of 300 YRE winners and mentors; to restore power within 24 hours of outdoor activity during the school day. the thought of which just a few months the storm. Despite the fact that many After a series of preliminary challeng- before would have killed me with worry. I of his neighbors had laughed at own- es, 17 qualifying schools were invited executed it successfully- not ignoring the er Eddie Ramirez when he installed to the finals at the Norwegian Forest fact that YRE had supported me all the the solar panels, Casa Sol opened Museum. Many students arrived the way. A few months later, in November, I its doors to anyone who needed night before the event and were given got to represent my country alongside electricity after the storm. As many as the opportunity to sleep in a tradition- another YRE- Isaac Sam Camilleri at 100 people would visit Casa Sol every al Sami tent called a lavvu. Finalists in YouthMundus 2019 Festival in Rome. day, with some using it as a lifeline to the 2019 Forest Games were tasked It was a one of a kind experience and I refrigerate breast milk and medica- with various practical and theoretical am so grateful that we were the pioneer tions or to power life-saving medical challenges, including tree species iden- YREs at that event. YRE has enriched my equipment. Casa Sol was undoubted- tification, determining the height and life through many different means for ly a critical point of support after the age of a tree, recognising bird sounds, which I will always be indebted. Being storm, and, it turns out, a source of making various knots, building wood- a YRE has and will continue to provide inspiration. Today, more than a few en bridges and identifying insects. opportunities of unparalleled fulfillment, of Ramirez’s neighbours are installing and I cannot wait to see what 2020 will solar panels of their own. bring!”

YRE Alumna Martina Mifsud from Malta

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 25 Years of YRE Some of our Favourite Photos from the YRE International

Competition 2019 Canada, oceans, of our of our out life the sucking Stop

On Tiptoes, Slovakia, 2018

Hard Life, Montenegro, 2013

Hidden, Cyprus, 2013

Companionship, China, 2016

Garbage Feast, South Korea, 2018

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 17 FEE at a glance

GREEN KEY 3200 65 Establishments Countries

ECO-SCHOOLS 59.000 68 Schools Countries FEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2018 – 2020) (From left to right)

Amine Ahlafi, FEE Vice President - Lesley Jones, FEE President - Lourdes BLUE FLAG Díaz Colón, responsible for Blue Flag - Sasha Karajovic, responsible for Young Reporters for the Environment - José Hendriksen, responsible for 4573 47 Green Key - Nikos Petrou, responsible for Learning About Forests - Laura sites Countries Hickey, responsible for Eco-Schools - Ian Humphreys, FEE Treasurer

FEE HEAD OFFICE STAFF (at time of publication) Daniel Schaffer, Chief Executive OfficerRikke - Florager, Administrative Director - Bjarke Kronborg, Financial Director - Anna Christensen, Finance LEARNING Director Assistant - Pramod Kumar Sharma, Senior Education Director - ABOUT FORESTS Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director -Sophie Bachet 700.000 28 Granados, International Blue Flag Director -Barry McGonigal, Interna- Students Countries tional LEAF Director -Gosia Luszczek, International YRE Director -Isabel Lissner, International Green Key Coordinator -Johann Durand, Interna- tional Blue Flag Coordinator -Nicole Andreou, International Eco-Schools Coordinator - Kristina Madsen, International YRE & Litter Less Campaign YOUNG Coordinator - Nora Schuh, Marketing and Communications Coordinator REPORTERS - Floriane Marie, Education for Sustainable Development Programmes FOR THE 360.000 45 Intern - Pablo Ferrero, Administrative and Global Processes Intern -Maria ENVIRONMENT Young Reporters Countries Simões Franco, Communication and Administration Assistant Sabine- Mauguière, Green Key and Blue Flag Assistant

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Member Organisations (As of 31st December 2019)

FULL AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Argentina: Alma Tierra – Civil Czech Republic: TEREZA, vzd lávací cen- Latvia: Vides izglitibas fonds (FEE Latvia) Qatar: Qatar Green Building Council Association for the Environment trum, z.ú. (Tereza Educational Centre) Lithuania: Lietuvos Zaliuju Judejimas Romania: Centrul Carpato-Danubian de Australia: Keep Australia Beautiful Denmark: Friluftsrådet (Danish (Lithuanian Green Movement) Geoecologie (CCDG Romania) National Association Ltd Outdoor Council) Madagascar: Madagascar National Russia: Keep Saint-Petersburg Tidy Bahamas: Bahamas Reef Environment Dominican Republic: Instituto de Parks (MNP) Scotland: Keep Scotland Beautiful Educational Foundation Derecho Ambiental de la Republica Malaysia: Tabung Alam Malaysia Serbia: Ambasadori održivog razvoja i Belgium: FEE Belgium Dominicana (WWF-Malaysia) životne sredine (Environmental Ambas- Bermuda: Bermuda Underwater England: Keep Britain Tidy Malta: Nature Trust Malta sadors for Sustainable Development) Exploration Institute Estonia: Eesti Looduskaitse Selts (Estoni- Mauritius:Reef Conservation Singapore: WWF-Singapore Bosnia-Herzegovina: Social Innovation an Society for Nature Conservation) Mexico: FEE Mexico Slovakia: Spirala Incubator MUNJA Finland: Sykse - Suomen Ympäristökas- Mongolia: Information and Training Slovenia: Društvo DOVES (FEE Slovenia) Brazil: Instituto Ambiental em Rede vatuksen Seura (Finnish Association for Centre for Nature and Environment South Africa: Wildlife and Environment Bulgaria: Bulgarian Blue Flag Movement Environmental Education) Montenegro: EKOM - Udruzenje za Society of South Africa Burundi: Initiative for Rural Health France: Teragir ekoloski konsalting (ECOM - Environ- South Korea: FEE Korea Promotion and Integrated Development Germany: Deutsche Gesellschaft für mental Consultancy of Montenegro) Spain: Asociación de Educación (IPSDI) Umwelterziehung (FEE Germany) Morocco: Fondation Mohammed VI Ambiental y del Consumidor (ADEAC) Cabo Verde: Biosfera 1 - Associação Ghana: Centre for Sustainable pour la Protection de l’Environnement Sweden: Håll Sverige Rent (Keep para Defesa do Mejo Ambiente Transformation Netherlands: Stichting IVN Sweden Tidy Foundation) Canada: Eco-Schools Canada Greece: Hellenic Society for the New Zealand: Keep New Zealand Switzerland: Association J’aime ma Chile: Fundacion Educarse Protection of Nature Beautiful Planète China: Center for Environmental Iceland: Landvernd (Icelandic Northern Ireland: Keep Northern Tanzania: Tanzania Forest Conservation Education and Communications of Environment Association) Ireland Beautiful Group Ministry of Environmental Protection India: Centre for Environment Education Norway: Stiftelsen FEE Norway Thailand: WWF Thailand Colombia: Association Colombiana de In- Ireland: An Taisce – The National Trust (Foundation FEE Norway) Trinidad and Tobago: Green T&T genieria Sanitaria y Ambiental (ACODAL) for Ireland : Fundacja dla Edukacji Turkey: Türkiye Çevre E itim Vakfı Comoros: Mouvement Associatif pour Israel: EcoOcean Ekologicznej (Polish Foundation for (Foundation for Environmental l’Education et l’Egalité de Chances Italy: FEE Italia (FEE Italy) Environmental Education) ) (MAEECHA) Jordan: The Royal Marine Conservation : Associação Bandeira Azul da Uganda: Conservation Efforts for Croatia:Association “Lijepa Nasa” Society of Jordan Europa (FEE Portugal) Community Development Cyprus: Cyprus Marine Environment Kenya: Kenya Organisation for Environ- Puerto Rico: Organización Pro Ukraine: Ekologitschna Initsiativa Protection Association mental Education (KOEE) Ambiente Sustentable (OPAS) (Ecological Initiative NGO)

FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019 19 United Arab Emirates: Environmental AFFILIATE MEMBERS: United Arab Emirates: Emirates Green HONORARY MEMBERS: Centre for Arab Towns (ECAT) Building Council United States of America: National Belgium: Fédération Internationale de US Virgin Islands: US Virgin Islands Heiko Crost Wildlife Federation Camping et de Caravanning (FICC) Hotel and Tourism Association Jan Eriksen US Virgin Islands: Virgin Islands Belgium: BOS+ Vlaanderen vzw Ole Løvig Simonsen Conservation Society Belgium: MOS+ ( Department of Malcolm Powell Wales: Keep Wales Tidy/Cadwch Environment and Spatial Development) Gymru’n Daclus Canada: Swim Drink Fish Zanzibar: Jumuiya isiyo ya Kiserikali Denmark: Skovskolen inayohusisha Maendeleo ya Vijana Denmark: HORESTA (Association for katika Elimu,Ujasiriamali na Uhifadhi the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism wa Mazingira Zanzibar (Zanzibar Youth, Industry in Denmark) Education, Environment, Development Estonia: Ettevõtluse Arendamise Support Association) Sihtasutus (Enterprise Estonia) Finland: Suomen Metsäyhdistys (Finnish Forest Association) Finland: Visit Åland Georgia: LEPL Batumi Boulavard Iceland: Vottunarstofan Tún ehf. Latvia: Latvijas valsts mezi (JSC Latvia’s State Forests) Malaysia: Green Growth Asia Foundation Montenegro: Bureau for Education Services of Montenegro Netherlands: Foundation KMVK Netherlands: SME Advies Norway: Skogbrukets Kursinstitutt (Forestry Extension Institute) Sail Training International Sweden: Green Key Sweden Sweden: The Swedish Forestry Association

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS CORPORATE PARTNERS Recognised as a world leader within the fields of Corporate partners are crucial to the global suc- Environmental Education and Education for Sustain- cess enjoyed by the Foundation for Environmental able Development, Foundation for Environmental Education and its programmes. Working closely with Education is partnered by some of the world’s fore- environmentally conscientious organisations is a mu- most organisations in the fields of education and the tually beneficial arrangement that helps us broaden environment. our reach while affording our partners the chance to highlight their dedication to environmental concerns. Positive change on a global scale Visit our website www.fee.global and follow us on social media

It’s time to wake up to the problem of plastic, Northern Ireland 1st place, 2019 YRE International Competition, Litter Less Campaign photo (11-14 age group)

Photo: @YRE International Competition