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ТАКОМИЛЛАШТИРИШНИНГ
МАЗМУНИ
//Academic
research
in
educational sciences. – 2021. – Т. 2. – №. 11. – С. 1312-1316.
Internet resurslar.
1.www.gov.uz - О‘zbekiston Respublikasi hukumat portali.
2.www.academy.uz - (Fanlar akademiyasi)
3.www.nadlib.uz - (A.Navoiy nomidagi O‘z.MK).
4.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS IN THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF
THE NEW UZBEKISTAN: IMPLEMENTING GREEN EDUCATION
STRATEGIES TO PROTECT ENDANGERED ANIMALS
Rustem Omirzakov
A PhD studеnt, Karakalpak State University
Е-mail:
Abstract:
The development strategy of the New Uzbekistan emphasizes the
integration of green education as a tool to enhance environmental awareness and
protect rare and endangered species. The interrelationship between education and
environmental stewardship has been substantiated across various disciplines,
compelling educational institutions worldwide to integrate green education into
their curricula. This article explores the role of environmental education in
fostering a sustainable mindset among the youth of Uzbekistan, aiming to
safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity, particularly its endangered animal
species. Through a combination of innovative educational methods, community
involvement, and policy support, Uzbekistan seeks to cultivate a generation that
values ecological balance and engages in conservation efforts. This paper discusses
the methodology of implementing green education strategies, analyzes the
outcomes, and reflects on the broader implications for the nation’s environmental
and educational policies. By examining pedagogical approaches and successful
case studies, we delve into the benefits of ecological literacy and active
engagement in biodiversity conservation. The need for a robust educational
framework aimed at nurturing responsible citizens who prioritize the preservation
of threatened species is emphasized. Ultimately, we argue for the importance of a
synergistic approach combining education, policy, and community involvement as
a holistic strategy for safeguarding endangered animal populations.
Keywords:
Green Education, Environmental Stewardship, Endangered
Animals, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Literacy, Educational Framework,
Community Engagement, New Uzbekistan, Environmental Policy, Sustainable
Development, Educational Strategy.
Introduction:
According to the United Nations (UN), up to one million
species are threatened with extinction. The International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) has over 40,000 species classified as threatened in its 2022 Red
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List and estimates over 26,000 species are threatened with extinction. It also lists
over 9,000 species as critically endangered before they are extinct in the wild.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), humans are responsible for 99% of
endangered species. As a result, the WWF believes the current extinction rate is
1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural rate.
1
Reconciling humanity and the living requires education around the world.
Only one in five countries makes reference to biodiversity in its school curricula -
and barely one in two countries talked about the ocean or to climate change.
Basically, the need for all children to learn about nature and spend their time in
nature is an imperative long overdue. That’s why, at the Berlin Conference last
May, more than 80 governments pledged to put environmental education at the
heart of school curricula around the world by 2025. However, like most pledges,
they remain mostly pledges. That’s why, Endangered Species International (ESI)
pushes nature education and the love for living creatures since its inception. Now,
it is urgent to bring our kids back to nature as part of their main education. We
need transformative education to pave the way.
2
Green education plays a crucial role in the protection of endangered animals
by fostering awareness and understanding of biodiversity and conservation issues.
Here’s an overview of how education and conservation efforts intersect in this
context. Green education encompasses educational practices aimed at promoting
environmental stewardship and sustainability. It instills in students the
understanding of the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental
health. By integrating principles of conservation, ecology, and social responsibility
into our educational framework, we can cultivate informed citizens who are
capable of making sustainable choices.
Methods
To assess the implementation of green education strategies in Uzbekistan,
various educational programs and initiatives are analyzed. This includes the
integration of environmental education into curricula across various educational
institutions and the establishment of community-oriented projects focused on
biodiversity conservation. Surveys and reports from educational institutions,
environmental organizations, and governmental bodies, as well as case studies of
successful programs, provide qualitative and quantitative data for this analysis.
Definition of Green Education
Green education refers to an educational approach that integrates
environmental awareness, sustainability principles, and eco-friendly practices into
both curricula and learning environments. It aims to provide learners—students,
teachers, and school systems—with new knowledge and skills necessary for
responsible citizenship while also addressing the ecological challenges facing the
planet. This transformative learning process empowers individuals to investigate
their environment, solve problems, and take action to protect and sustain it [3].
Green education encompasses both formal learning in schools and non-formal
education platforms, involving awareness-raising and communication strategies on
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topics like environmental protection and climate change. Its goal is to instill an
understanding of how to cope with ecological demands and promote sustainable
production practices [2]
Characteristics of Green Education
1. Holistic Learning: Green education integrates multiple subjects, fostering
connections among science, social studies, and practical environmental action [3]
2. Experiential Learning: It emphasizes hands-on experiences, such as outdoor
learning, gardening, and sustainable practices like recycling [2]
3. Community Engagement: Encouraging local communities to participate in
sustainability initiatives helps shape a collective understanding and action towards
environmental stewardship[2]
Educational goals in the development strategy of the new Uzbekistan
The development strategy of New Uzbekistan from 2022 to 2026 places
significant emphasis on education as a key pillar for socio-economic progress.
Here are the primary educational goals outlined in this strategy:
1.
Quality Education for All:
The strategy envisions ensuring that every
citizen can access education at all levels, including preschool, general secondary,
vocational, and higher education. This aligns with the goal of increasing
enrollment rates and educational quality.
2.
Investment in Human Capital
:
The government acknowledges that
sustainable development is closely linked to the investment in human capital. An
improved education system is aimed at producing graduates equipped with critical
thinking and practical skills necessary for modern labor markets [4
3.
Pre-school Education Development
: A specialized Ministry of Preschool
Education has been established with the goal to increase the coverage of preschool
education to 80% by 2030 and ensure that all 6-year-olds have access to preschool
by 2024-2025 [4
.
4.
Lifelong Learning Model
: The educational framework is being transitioned
to a lifelong learning model, facilitating continuous education and skill
development. This model is designed to adapt to changing societal and economic
contexts [5].
5.
Curriculum Modernization:
The revisions of educational curriculums aim
to move away from rote memorization to educational practices that enhance
students' abilities to apply knowledge. Important subjects such as Uzbek language,
mathematics, ICT, and English are highlighted for improvement[6].
6
. Vocational and Technical Education:
To align with labor market needs,
the strategy includes expanding vocational training and increasing partnerships
between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. Programs aim to
double the training scope for unemployed participants and enhance vocational
education.
7
. Higher Education Reforms:
There are plans to develop state educational
institutions with a competitive admission system and enhance the independence of
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universities. The coverage of higher education is targeted to rise to 50% of the
eligible population by 2026 [4
.
8.
Gender Equality and Inclusion:
Ongoing efforts aim to increase female
participation in higher education and promote inclusive practices to support
students with disabilities. Financial assistance programs are in place to facilitate
access for underrepresented groups[4
.
Green Education in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation rich in biodiversity, faces significant
environmental challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and the impacts of
climate change. To address these issues, the country has recognized the need for
environmental education—referred to as green education—as a vital strategy for
fostering awareness and promoting sustainable practices among its citizens. The
government and various organizations have been actively involved in integrating
green education into the national curriculum and community-based programs,
emphasizing the role of education in achieving long-term environmental goals. The
republic has the Concept of Environmental Protection of the Republic of
Uzbekistan until 2030, more than 30 legislative acts and about 200 by-laws in the
field of ecology, environmental protection, and rational use of natural resources. In
2021, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a large-scale
nationwide program called “Yashil Makon” (“Green space”) was launched in the
country, which provides for the annual planting of 200 million trees and shrubs
until 2030. As a result, an increase in the area of green spaces in cities is expected
from the current 8% to 30%, as well as an increase in the forest cover area of the
state forest fund from 7.5 to 15%.
Results
The findings indicate significant progress in green education initiatives in
Uzbekistan:
Curricular Integration
: Environmental topics have been increasingly
incorporated into science, geography, and social studies curricula across many
educational institutions. Schools now emphasize sustainability principles,
conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of various local species.
8
Community Programs
: Initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns, waste
management education, and biodiversity conservation workshops have been
implemented in local communities. The “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) project is
an example, aiming to plant millions of trees and create sustainable green areas.
9
Collaborations and Partnerships
: The government has partnered with
various international organizations, including the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN), to enhance environmental education. Collaborative projects focus on
raising awareness of biodiversity and climate change among youth.
1
Discussion
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The integration of green education strategies within Uzbekistan’s educational
system has both immediate and long-term implications for biodiversity
conservation:
1.
Biodiversity Awareness:
Education about the importance of biodiversity is
essential. Currently, only a small fraction of countries include biodiversity in their
school curricula, which limits children's understanding of ecological systems and
the threats they face. A commitment from over 80 governments to integrate
environmental education into school systems by 2025 highlights the growing
recognition of this need [
2
].
2.
Nature Connection:
Engaging children with nature not only enhances their
physical and emotional well-being but also cultivates a sense of stewardship for the
environment. Programs that encourage outdoor experiences can inspire future
generations to become advocates for wildlife conservation [2].
3.
Conservation Education:
This form of education emphasizes the
significance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. It raises awareness
about the threats these species face, such as habitat destruction and climate change,
and encourages individuals to take action to mitigate these impacts
1
.
4.
Community Involvement
: Engaging local populations in educational
initiatives ensures that conservation efforts extend beyond the classroom, creating
a culture of sustainability.
The development of green education in Uzbekistan reflects a broader
commitment to sustainability and ecological preservation. Various obstacles, such
as resource limitations and varying levels of public awareness, persist, but the
government’s strategic focus on educational reform offers hope for future
advancements. By investing in environmental education, Uzbekistan is cultivating
a populace that is not only informed but also motivated to engage in conservation
activities. Moreover, youth involvement has been noteworthy, with school and
university students taking active roles in environmental initiatives. This
engagement has expanded through innovative educational practices, such as
project-based learning and field trips to nature reserves, allowing students to gain
firsthand experience in conservation efforts.
10
Conclusion
Implementing green education strategies in Uzbekistan is a fundamental step
toward protecting endangered animals and promoting sustainable environmental
practices. By fostering environmental awareness among the youth, Uzbekistan not
only aims to preserve its unique biodiversity but also equips future generations
with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the pressing challenges of
biodiversity loss and climate change. Through continued investment in educational
programs and community engagement, Uzbekistan can hope to create an informed
citizenry that actively participates in conservation efforts, leading to a sustainable
future for its rich natural heritage.
References:
269
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Why should endangered species be protected?
(2023, May 15).Green.earth;
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endangered-species-be-protected
2.
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(2024).
Endangeredspeciesinternational.org.https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.or
g/news_sept21.html
3.
Definition of Green Education - Issuu
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https://issuu.com/bg_beactive/docs/final_essd_goinggreen_toolkit/s/17432209
4.
Uzbekistan Develops Sustainable Education System
(2023, March 24).
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https://indiplomacy.com/2023/03/24/uzbekistan-
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5. Bespalyy Sergey, Akhrorova Alfiya, Alnazarova Gulmira, Adieva Ainura,
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analysis and prospects at universities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and
Uzbekistan. Discover Sustainability, 5(1).
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- U.S. Agency for International Development
. (2020, June 15). Usaid.gov.
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program
7. Daily News Hungary. (2024, June 19).
Environmental protection is a key
priority of the New Uzbekistan - Daily News Hungary
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https://dailynewshungary.com/environmental-protection-is-a-key-priority-of-the-
new-uzbekistan/
8.
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216-221. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.11002803
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