“The heavens are yours, and the earth too”: Educational initiative to foster environmental awareness and involvement

The third millennium is already here.  The world is developing into a global village.  The integration between meeting the needs of the rapidly developing world and preserving the values of nature and the environment, will determine our quality of life.

“The heavens are yours, and the earth too” project is intended to strengthen environmental awareness and the involvement of residents near Ben Gurion Airport and Eilat Airfield with what is happening around them.  This unique educational/ environmental project, a joint initiative of the Airports Authority, the Ministry of Education (Central Region), and the local authorities, is aimed at pupils at schools near to the airport.  During the project, the pupils are exposed to various environmental topics at the local, regional, national and global levels, while developing personal involvement leading to activities to improve their own environment.

The program is based on constructing a foundation of knowledge, creating awareness and developing commitment to preserving the environment.  The subject of environmental quality is studied from a scientific-technological aspect (and also with reference to the Torah, for state religious schools), with the emphasis on adapting the syllabus and making it relevant to the needs and wishes of each school taking part in the initiative.  The initiative seeks to impart environment-friendly behavioral norms to pupils, and through them, to their parents and wider circles of society.

The syllabus rests on the principle of sustainable development, which embodies the link between environmental quality and economic and social needs.  Its central interest:  development that considers the environment, and relates to the needs of this generation and of future generations.

Creating links between the community around airports and the Airports Authority is a basic condition for building a common language, through which it will be possible to clarify processes and the consequences of airport activity near their homes, while striving together to build a better shared future.