|
|
UI's Role in Sustainability Efforts Topic of March 3 Event
Feb. 24, 2005
MOSCOW – The University of Idaho will join institutions across the globe in a collaborative effort to put environmental sustainability in the spotlight.
On Thursday, March 3, University of Idaho President Tim White will sign a formal agreement called the Talloires (TAL-war) Declaration, a document that outlines key principles of environmental sustainability that apply to higher-education institutions. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. in the Commons Whitewater Room. The public is invited to attend.
"At UI, we are making sure that an academic, social and cultural infrastructure exists that will encourage students to 'think globally and act locally.' The goal is to develop a campus culture of accountability and understanding," said Jonathan Teeters, ASUI director of sustainability.
The Talloires Declaration provides a framework for the development and integration of sustainability-related activities on university campuses. More than 300 leaders from colleges and universities have signed the declaration since it was drafted in 1991.
Anthony Cortese, co-author of the Talloires Declaration, will be the keynote speaker at the March 3 event. Cortese is president of the non-profit organization Second Nature, based in Boston, Mass. Web site: www.secondnature.org/cortese/cortese.html.
The Talloires Declaration has 10 key points. They include:
· Increase awareness of environmentally sustainable development
· Create an institution culture of sustainability
· Education for environmentally responsible citizens
· Foster environmental literacy
· Practice institutional ecology
· Encourage involvement of government, foundations and industry to support interdisciplinary research, education and policy
· Collaborate for interdisciplinary approaches
· Enhance partnerships with primary and secondary schools
· Broaden service and outreach nationally and internationally
· Maintain the momentum informing and supporting other institutions in this effort
Teeters is optimistic about this signing event and what it means to the university as a whole. "We are celebrating the signing of the Talloires Declaration which represents much of President White's new vision for UI. We have a chance to encourage everyone on campus to begin emphasizing connections rather than differences."
Contacts: Jonathan Teeters, ASUI director of sustainability, (208) 301-1233, jonathant@sub.uidaho.edu; or Leslie Einhaus, University Communications, (208) 885-6489, lesliee@uidaho.edu
-30-
LE-2/24/05-STP/ADM
|
