| Our MEC Environmental Leadership Program encourages, fosters and supports environmental leadership in Mongolian society. The program’s strong interdisciplinary approach ensures that its graduates have an understanding of Mongolia’s traditional approaches to protecting nature. It also provides them with the necessary skills to practice independent evaluation and assessment of environmental problems, not only at a local level, but also at a national, regional, and global scale. Finally, it teaches them to appreciate the role of cooperation in resolving these problems. Our graduates come away motivated towards collaboration with all stakeholders in the Mongolian and international community, and prepared to confront the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
The MEC Environmental Leadership Program is rooted in the age-old Mongol concept of Gal (Fire); the awareness of humans’ interconnectedness with each other and with the environment, and the realization of the necessity for collaboration and cooperation.
For centuries, Mongols have gathered around FIRE to discuss any and all topics, while consuming copious amounts of milk-tea, brewed on the fire. Traditionally, these gatherings are the stage for long discussions, with an ultimate goal of finding ways to collectively serve the needs of the individual and society as a whole. Like their forefathers, 21st century Mongolian athletes (such as wrestlers, horse trainers, archers and hunters) still get together in Gals, so that they can train together and support each other in preparing for competitive events.
The MEC Environmental Leadership Program provides education to foster environmental leadership in all sectors of the Mongolian society, starting from kindergarten right up to university. It offers relevant information to all Mongolian citizens interested in their traditional ways, and in the health of their environment and community.
The MEC Environmental Leadership Program is supported by the Mongolian government, businesses and industry, as well as by academic organizations, NGOs, local and international donors. These sponsors also participate in the selection of qualified students and provide other financial and logistical support.
The MEC Environmental Leadership Program offers its curriculum in traditional classroom settings, as well as through on-line classes. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the individual groups at all levels, and includes:
- an introduction to the environmental concerns of the 21st century.
- an introduction to and exploration of Mongolia’s environmental challenges.
- guest lectures by Mongolian and international experts and stakeholders
- field trips and internships
- participation in the annual MEC conference
The first MEC Environmental Leadership Program will commence in August, 2010.
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