World of Letters has expertise in the design and implementation of Environmental Education programs which focus on curriculum development, teacher training and producing e-learning materials. The staff of the World of Letters implemented one of the first EE programs with the Ministry of Education under the WEPIA project which included producing one of the first EE curriculum, teacher's guides and water education CD. The team of specialist at the World of Letters serve as Environmental Education and Ethics consultants locally, regionally and as part of the Biosphere Ethics Project- one of IUCN initiatives to develop an Environmental Ethics framework.
Developing a Global Environmental Ethics Framework
Biosphere Ethics Project started in 2005 spearheaded by the Center for Human and Nature in Chicago and has led the endeavor toward the creation of a living code of ethics for biodiversity conservation; a program based in science, law and philosophy with the aim to transform and inspire communities to conserve biodiversity. The program is structured such that its foundational principles aim to be global, yet implementation is region-specific
World of letters consultants hosted the first environmental ethics conference in Jordan in 2011. Participating in the conference were EE specialist and part of the BEI consultancy group from USA, France, Germany, Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand. The conference hosted speakers from different NOG’s and organizations in Jordan. The specialist group visited several field sites in Jordan to whiteness ethics in action. The group is currently preparing an local Jordanian ethics document to share with the Jordanian ministry of environment
To develop fundamental principles and a living code of ethics for biodiversity conservation is the endeavor of the global Biosphere Ethics Initiative that started in 2004. Due to our expertise in the design and implementation of Environmental Education (EE) programs we became part of the Ethics Specialist Group. The group, which is led by the Center for Human and Nature in Chicago, was formed to develop the environmental ethics code as laid out in the resolution 3.020 drafting a Code of Ethics for Biodiversity Conservation, developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
As part of our engagement in the Specialist group, we have been hosting the first environmental ethics conference taking place in 2011 in Jordan. Participating in the conference were EE specialist and participants of the BEI consultancy groups from USA, France, Germany, Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand. The conference also hosted speakers from different international and Jordanian organizations. The specialist group visited several field sites in Jordan to whiteness ethics in action and prepare a local Jordanian ethics document to be shared with the Jordanian ministry of environment.
In 2016, the group of experts founded a US-based non-profit called CEEL (Center for Environmental Ethics and Law)
Environmental Behavioral Change Program
Our “Environmental Behavioral Change (EBC)” program is an environment based learning program that uses a multi-disciplinary approach towards “learning about” and “learning for the environment”. Students formulate active groups that challenge harmful practices in their environment and work towards environmental conservation and advocacy.
Developing environmental education resources for the QRTA
Creating behavioral changes amongst the Jordanian public and decision makers alike was the overall objective of the Public Action for Water, Energy and Environment Project (PAP), a USAID funded program in which, amongst others, the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) participated. As a subcontractor, we offered consultation on a teacher training program to the QRTA, to integrate environmental education in schools. This included developing class-room resources on environmental ethics and education.
The resources produced target grades 4,6 and 9 and include an Environmental Education and Ethics framework for teachers, a teachers’ guide and a students’ workbook. The material uses an innovative framework for environmental ethics developed by local experts. The classroom unit plan employs critical thinking and a problem solving approach. Interdisciplinary teaching methods link environmental issues to other subject matters, making learning an authentic and contextualized real life experience. By the end of the unit, students are able to develop real community based projects and are able to take action for environmental change.
Environmental Ethics and Educational Resources for Mawa Wild Life Shelter:
Environmental Ethics and Educational resources were developed for Al Ma'wa wild life shelter and sanctuary in Souf/Jerash. The educational resources is grounded by the fact that humans have an ethical responsibility to conserve the biological, physical and cultural diversity. In order to counter the unbridled self-interest that is dominating our society and destroying biodiversity, we need to build solidarity with nature to ensure the integrity of the future of all life, in all its diversity. Al Ma'wa wild life shelter and nature conservation site offers the "learning through and/for the environment" setting to instil such value among children and youth in Jordan. Visit the Centre for Environmental Ethics and Law website to learn more about Environmental Ethics (https://www.environmentalethicsandlaw.org/)
