In response to the lack of theoretical foundations in the emerging field of ''environmental health education,'' this article presents a proposal for a theoretical framework which integrates complementary elements drawn mainly from the fields of environmental education, health education, and risk education. This framework is centred on a participatory holistic approach; it seeks to stimulate the development of personal and collective competencies for citizen involvement in improving the relationship between communities and their environment in order to simultaneously promote human health and the integrity of the closely interrelated life systems. The development of this proposal is based on an initial theoretical construct, produced from an anasynthesis of existing literature and results of previous projects, that is being validated and enriched by actual empirical fieldwork. The latter involves the collaborative design and experimentation of educationalintervention projects, among social groups in the region of Lac Saint-Pierre, concerning the issue of fish consumption, its benefit, and also the risks associated to lake chemical contamination.
This paper describes a national partnership of academic researchers, government representatives, and sustainability practitioners who sought to strengthen the capacity of 16 biosphere reserve organizations working across Canada to promote sustainability through collective learning and networking strategies. We begin by situating our work within traditions of community-engaged scholarship and appreciative inquiry, and then ask participants to reflect directly on the questions. We then draw attention to four key themes: building and maintaining trust; setting clear and confirmed expectations; establishing structured and multi-lateral facilitation; and finding the sweet spot for our collective practice. Our reflections address common themes of community-engaged scholarship, including addressing cross-cultural challenges and finding joy in working together.
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