The Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (SK RCE on ESD) seeks to transform education for sustainability in our region. Education is broadly understood to include formal education (such as primary, secondary, and post-secondary education) as well as informal and non-formal education (such as the private media and public education by non-governmental organizations). A Framework for Environmental Learning and Sustainability in Canada defines the three types of education as follows:

• Formal Education: Education through the school systems from kindergarten to the end of high school as well as some aspects in colleges and universities.
• Non-formal Education: Public awareness activities by organizations outside of the school system (e.g., Environmental Street Theatre).
• Informal Education: Educational activities provided by media (e.g., documentaries on radio and television)

Education at all times respects the autonomy and dignity of the learner. Education for sustainable development aims at promoting reflection and discernment in our region that helps us identify and pursue paths to sustainability. Such paths lead to ongoing improvements in quality of life while sustaining healthy ecosystems. They promote active environmental stewardship, social justice, and intergenerational equity.

As such, the Sask RCE on ESD has outlined six thematic issues along with two cross-cutting themes to serve as an initial focus of educational activity. These include:

Cross-cutting themes:

• Sustaining rural communities
• Educational Approaches for Regional ESD 

Six Thematic Issues:

• Climate Change
• Health
• Farming and Local Food Production, Consumption, and Waste Minimization
• Reconnecting to Natural Prairie Ecosystems Supporting
• Bridging Cultures for Sustainable Living and Community
• Building Sustainable Infrastructure including Water and Energy

The Sask RCE on ESD website acts as a hub for this activity, linking community members and supporting growth and opportunity for increasing and promoting education for sustainable development.