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Article Information:
Title:
Saskatchewan's (Canada) Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development
Author(s):
Tanya Dahms, Dena McMartin, Roger Petry
Journal:
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
Year:
2008
Volume:
Issue:
Page:
382 - 401
ISSN:
1467-6370
DOI:
10.1108/14676370810905508
Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:
RCE Saskatchewan is supported by the U of R through the CSC, OICD, Transdisciplinary and Technology Innovation Funds, and CPRC, and also through Luther College, Saskatchewan Environment's Green Initiatives Fund, and Environment Canada (as of December 2007). The contributions to RCE Saskatchewan from members of the SCAG across the U of R and its federated colleges have been vital to this process. The input and ongoing commitment of the RCE's organizational and individual members, especially Lyle Benko, Jon Gillies, and Dr Malin Hansen, have been indispensable. The authors wish to thank Doug Morrison and Dr Garth Pickard for giving us permission to highlight ESD projects that they have spearheaded. The authors gratefully acknowledge Drs Fred Dahms and Garth Pickard for helpful comments and editorial advice.
Document Access:
Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique collaborative process initiated at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada, to develop a Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through the United Nations University-Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS).
Design/methodology/approach – The innovative aspects of developing RCE Saskatchewan are elaborated as a function of regional characteristics and features. The founding members used a unique combination of facilitation methods and technology to establish a flexible governance model in support of ESD themes defined by participating members. The paper provides a critical analysis of the governance structure and educational approaches supported by RCE Saskatchewan.
Findings – The strength-based model, in conjunction with open meetings and online discussion, has proven to be a highly effective method for establishing an organization in which members have diverse expertise and affiliation. The process used to develop the RCE was democratic, inclusive and transparent. Each member and member group contributes existing knowledge, with the common goal of advancing research on ESD as part of a regional and global network. The RCE was established in just over one year, a testament to the efficiency of the process. The web site provides a flexible host for the RCE virtual structure, facilitating communication within and between groups, documentation, announcements/postings, and the creation of searchable research databases with local and global public access. Flexibility of the governance model and partnerships with higher education institutions ensures long-term sustainability. The use of non-traditional educational modes (non-formal and informal) has accelerated ESD awareness in the region, and their combination with formal education leads to programs that span different sectors.
Originality/value – This paper outlines the process developed by the founding members of RCE Saskatchewan to mobilise people, organizations and resources during the
Keywords:
Canada, Centres of excellence, Education, Research, Sustainable development
Article Type:
Case study