E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management

E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 4 (6) pp. 0268-0274, July 2013; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466

An appraisal of the role of environmental education in the sustainable utilization of land resources in rural areas of Nigeria

Abstract

“Ignorance” of the relationship between man and his environment has been the bane of achieving environmental sustainability. Man҆s relationship with his environment especially land and it resources has always changed with time, depending on his understanding, technological capabilities and knowledge of the physical environment. Lack of understanding of the dynamics of the relationship has resulted in serious environmental problems. The increasing threat from offshoot of the ecological footprints of anthropogenic activities reinforces the need for concerted efforts toward achieving sustainable resource exploitation in all realms. Educating the public remains the most powerful instruments for creating awareness on the impacts of human activities and transforms his behaviour towards sustainable utilization of resources. Policies cannot work in a vacuum; environmental education remains the engine that can drive the lofty land management policies into meaningful actions, which require citizens҆ participation for awareness and sensitivity about the environment and environmental challenges; Knowledge and understanding about the environment and environmental challenges; Attitude concern for the environment and help to maintain environmental quality; Skills to mitigate the environmental problems; Participation for exercising existing knowledge and environmental related programs. It has become imperative that educators and policy should take cognizance of our old traditions and ethics that reinforces the need to sustainably manage our heritage.

Keywords: Environmental education, Land resources, sustainability, utilization, rural areas