World heritage sites as environmental education resources : a case study of the cradle of humankind

Abstract

Studies have shown that world heritage sites are regarded as environmental education (EE) resources. However, environmental activities are not integrated with the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) because the heritage educator and guides are not trained in EE, the heritage educator do not liaise with the Department of Education (DoE) especially the curriculum implementation unit and World Heritage Youth Forum. The purpose of this study is to establish the role that world heritage sites can play to provide adequate access to appropriate EE resources since this is a problem that hampers successful implementation of EE. The study gathered data through observation, document analysis, interviews and questionnaire. The data analysis was based on an inductive process that builds concepts. The study recommends training of heritage educator and guide in EE, heritage educator to liaise with Department of Education especially the curriculum implementation unit and the World Heritage Youth Forum to ensure effective implementation of environmental activities at the site.