matamatapiakodistrict counci l

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED Whanaungatanga

Acting sustainably is no longer a choice: Humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively over the last 50 years than any other period in history. This includes high demand for food, fresh water and fuel in the quest for human wellbeing and economic development.

“Everything is connected” has the potential to explore connections between and within natural ecosystems.

This includes the relationships between natural ecosystems and people. As well as the development of relationships- both local and global, between people, groups, organisations, and communities.

It provides opportunities to consider both spiritual and scientific explanations of our world and traditional and contemporary approaches.

‘When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it is connected to everything else’. – John Muir.

ENVIROSCHOOLS THEME AREAS • Me in My Environment• Living Landscapes• Water of Life• Energy!• Ecological Building• Zero Waste

ECOSYSTEMS ARE COMPLEXThey respond to internal and external influences both natural and human induced. They adapt, re-adjust and are often resilient. There is no returning to the original state.

WE CAN LEARN ABOUT THESE NATURAL SYSTEMS THROUGH ALL THE ENVIROSCHOOLS THEME AREAS. We can make choices about how we connect with, impact or integrate these in our daily life.

DESIGNS BASED ON NATURAL CYCLES AND SYSTEMS REDUCE OUR IMPACT ON NATURE.They help create healthy, peaceful, and efficient surroundings.

Key ConceptsWHEN WE CONNECT WITH OTHERS WE BUILD OPPORTUNITIES FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. We are part of and can contribute to our local, national and global community and have the benefit of both contemporary and traditional approaches.

Respect for the Diversity

of People and Cultures

Empowered

students

Sustainable

Communities

Learning for

Sustainability

Mãori

Perspectives

NOTHING EXISTS IN ISOLATIONPlants, animals and people interact with each other and their environment and are all part of a dynamic web of life.

People and Participation

Tangata

Practices

Tikanga

Place

Wãhi

Programmes

Kaupapa ako

Waikato Enviroschools acknowledge our funding partners. Their ongoing input and funding is essential to the success of the Enviroschool programme throughout our region.