Promotion of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Environmental Education Institutions

The funding program strengthens education for sustainable development (ESD) in environmental education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia and places a focus on imparting ecological competencies. Organizations from the education sector, non-profit or public entities benefit from grants to implement innovative projects and measures in environmental and nature conservation, vocational training and further education, as well as in energy efficiency and climate protection. Special emphasis is placed on the development of practice-oriented concepts that raise awareness among children, adolescents, and adults for sustainable action. Schools, kindergartens, and other young visitors are specifically integrated into educational offerings to strengthen environmental awareness and promote long-term behavioral change.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, providing environmental education institutions based or operating in North Rhine-Westphalia with diverse funding opportunities. A prerequisite is the provision of ESD programs or environmental education measures aimed at sustainable development. The Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is responsible for awarding the grants; professional advice and support are provided by the State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV). LANUV acts as a technical-scientific authority and, with over 1,350 employees, makes a significant contribution to the substantive development of environmental education offerings. Interested institutions thus receive comprehensive support in planning and implementing their projects.