Academic Collaboration for (Building)
Capacity in Environmental Studies (ACCES)

Environmental education is a key factor for sustainable development; it supports an increase of overall awareness and knowledge of young generation about the ecological hazards and risks. In this context, the modernisation of the higher education system is indispensable. The Rio 20+ conferences and the Tbilisi Declaration (1977) both focused on the crucial improvement of environmental studies education. In 2005, the role of environmental education was emphasized and included in national curricula from the elementary to the high school level up to higher education institutions (HEI’s), in particular promoting the concept of sustainable development. Following the Document ID - ECE/CEP/157 - Environmental Performance Reviews 3 leading universities now promoting to teach various environmental courses.

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The major expected results are:

a. Development of an innovative master curriculum in environmental engineering in GTU in Georgian and English languages to address identified institutional and social (market) needs and gaps, and linking all partners and stakeholders;

b. Reviewing and updating the master program in water engineering, i.e. contents linked to the latest research findings and based on lessons learnt;

c. Introducing innovative teaching methods and tools (i.e. blended learning); sharing teaching materials and relevant information (textbooks, access to relevant BOKU e-learning courses, etc.);

d. Reinforcing academic staff through trainings in using advanced methods and tools for teaching and knowledge assessment on EU standards;

e. Initiating Master students exchange – shared teaching assignments and practical exercises; mutual discussions and dissemination of the outcomes etc.; (multicultural dialog / exchange);

f. Enhancing gender equality in higher education for efficient education, research and innovation giving equivalent opportunities for professional qualifications, by trainings, join platforms for experience and knowledge exchange;

g. Providing quality assurance: accreditation (supported by BOKU), feedback of graduates, and affected employers and stakeholders of the new programs.