The Gyeonggi-do Office of Education held a special session on the theme of “A New Direction for Education: Cooperation between Local Communities and Public Education” at the 11th International Conference on Education in Botanical Gardens (ICEBG) held at COEX on the 9th.

The 11th International Conference on Education in Botanical Gardens and Arboreta is held to share educational ideas from botanical gardens and arboreta around the world and promote the excellence of domestic and international botanical garden and arboretum education.

The conference, which runs from the 9th to the 13th, is being held in Korea for the first time in East Asia. During the event, more than 1,500 people from 70 countries are expected to participate.

Previously, the Gyeonggi-do Office of Education signed a business agreement with the Forest Service in 2024 to expand the operation of eco-friendly and environmental programs for students. Through the Gyeonggi Shared School operated by the National Arboretum, the office is actively leading the way in eco-friendly and environmental education by teaching students about the relationship between humans and plants and animals, and practicing sustainable forest ecology education in the era of climate crisis. In recognition of these efforts, the Gyeonggi-do Education Office has been invited to participate in the special session of the World Botanic Gardens Education Conference.

At the special session, Kim Hye-kyung, Director of the Regional Education Policy Division, presented on “Community Collaboration-Based Biodiversity and Plant Education: Gyeonggi Shared School.” She showcased examples of Gyeonggi Shared School operations related to biodiversity and plant education, as well as the achievements of ecological and environmental program operations, in collaboration with local education support offices and local governments in regions including Yangpyeong, Yangju, Iwol, Siheung, Gwacheon, Anyang, and Goyang.

In his presentation at the special session, Superintendent Lim Tae-hee said, “The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education is practicing carbon-neutral ecological education to ensure that the earth, the home of all humankind, can be preserved in a sustainable manner through the coexistence of nature and humans.” He added, “We will continue to promote ecological education linked to world botanical gardens and arboretums through Gyeonggi Shared Schools.”

He added, “At Gyeonggi Shared Schools, students participate in environmental protection activities in a more fun and practical way with support from various educational programs and materials.” He emphasized, “Gyeonggi education strives to nurture students into citizens who contribute to global environmental conservation through education and practice.”

Im concluded, “We look forward to active collaboration with all of you attending the World Botanical Garden Education Conference in connecting ecological and environmental sites with education. I hope this time will serve as a starting point for positive changes in ecological and environmental education at botanical gardens and arboretums around the world.”

[News Source: Gyeonggi-do Office of Education]