Education for sustainable development: Lower Saxony recognizes 15 additional extracurricular learning locations – Minister of Education Hamburg: “Sustainable thinking and acting is crucial in order to overcome the current global challenges”

The Lower Saxony Ministry of Culture has recognized a further 15 institutions as extracurricular “learning locations in education for sustainable development” (ALO BNE). During a celebration, the new members received their certificate and a sign that made their official recognition by the MK visible.

This means that the network of recognized extracurricular learning locations in Lower Saxony is growing to a good 80 members. They all focus on education for sustainable development, both organizationally and with their projects for students. As partners of Lower Saxony’s schools, they play an important role in imparting the knowledge and skills required for a more sustainable future. Their offerings generally enable learners to gain practical experience and actively participate in shaping a sustainable world – with a variety of learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom.

“Climate crisis, threatened natural areas and habitats – education for sustainable development has gained enormous importance in recent years and has become a central concern of our society: Sustainable thinking and action is crucial to mastering the current global challenges. Lower Saxony is already conveying this in our schools using different approaches and teaching units.

Extracurricular learning locations as partners bring proven and valuable additions to specialist knowledge, lots of practice and fun to learn. For this they deserve thanks and recognition,” emphasizes Education Minister Julia Willie Hamburg.

Schools, teachers, students, parents and anyone interested can explore the extracurricular learning locations for ESD and benefit from their educational offerings. Courses, workshops, excursions and other activities are offered that help to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable action.

A list of the 15 new learning locations as well as a photo of the recognition event with the representatives of the new learning locations can be found attached.

Further information and a list of all recognized extracurricular learning locations for ESD can be found online on the education portal of the state of Lower Saxony:

Background information:

The recognition as an ESD extracurricular learning location is the result of a comprehensive process in which, among other things, the quality of the educational programs and the commitment to sustainable development were evaluated. Information about the criteria and the application process can also be found on the education portal.

The newly (November 2023) recognized learning locations

• Student laboratory B-LAB, University of Göttingen
• X-LAB Göttingen, University of Göttingen
• Oldenburg-East Frisian Water Association (OOWV), Diekmannshausen, Nethen, Großenkneten, Holdorf, Langeoog
• Langenhagen Natural History Association (NVL), Hanover
• One World Working Group Nordhorn, Nordhorn
• DJH youth hostels in the northwest, Unterweser-Ems regional association (area of ​​the RLSB Osnabrück + Bremen)
• Wittmunder Wald nature conservation farm, Wittmund, East Frisia
• Lüneburg Museum, Lüneburg
• Vrees Environmental Education Center, Vrees, Emsland district
• Meppen Adult Education Center, Kossehof, Meppen
• Nature and learning workshop Kudammhof eV, Adelsheidsdorf, Celle district
• Moor Information Center (MoorIZ) Ahlenmoor, Wanna, Cuxhaven district
• Lauenbrück Landpark, Lauenbrück, Rotenburg/Wümme district
• Planetarium Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg
• VNP Children’s Academy, Bispingen, Heidekreis