Mainstreaming environment and sustainability issues in institutions of higher education: the case of the University of Botswana

Abstract

Environment and sustainability issues are contemporary in educational innovations in institutions of higher education particularly in their core business regarding teaching, research and community engagement. The introduction and implementation of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) (2005-2014) has added impetus to the contemporariness of environment and sustainability issues in education. This paper is based on the empirical data generated within a selection of University of Botswana departments and units to determine the extent to which sustainability issues and concerns are implemented. The paper provides the outcome of the audit exercise that indicated that some of the University of Botswana departments and units are not incorporating sustainability issues in their practices (be it in teaching, research, community engagement or management practices). The paper recommends a systematic approach to mainstream environment and sustainability issues across the faculties.