A Quarter Century of International Development Cooperation at the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation: Achievements and Future Challenges to Education for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to empower learners to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and social and community development for present and future generations. ESD is holistic and transformational and enables people and local communities to learn the values, behaviors, and lifestyles required for positive societal transformation and a sustainable future. From its inception in 2000, the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON) began promoting ESD through its multiple extension and research activities. ERECON continued these efforts and supported the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development from 2005 to 2014, including the establishment of the Regional Center of Expertise, Greater Phnom Penh (RCE GPP) in 2009. ERECON collaborates with multiple formal and informal educational organizations in Asian countries to promote ESD. ERECON’s extension projects collaborate with RCE GPP and are related to afforestation and organic farming based on natural resource circulation, which aims to promote carbon capture and storage in forest and agricultural areas as well as sustainable rural development with income generation for local communities. ESD has become the fundamental methodology for approaching and educating local populations. ERECON relies on ESD and hosts workshops and trainings with local residents and communities prior to implementing extension activities. Additionally, ERECON’s Research Center focuses on and guides the academic and scientific activities of its partner, the International Society of Environmental and Rural Development, utilizing ESD’s best practices. In 2025, ERECON celebrated its quarter-century anniversary. Under UNESCO’s new global framework ‘ESD for 2030’ for the 2020-2030 period, ERECON will continue to use and promote ESD towards overcoming challenges and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in targeted local communities in Asian countries.