Special Law on Environmental Education and Communication

This Law aims to establish regulations to develop in the population an environmental awareness and responsible culture, of respect for nature, of protection, conservation, restoration, sustainable management of the environment and risk management. Its provisions are of public order, of general interest and of mandatory compliance throughout the national territory. The treaties and conventions signed and ratified by Honduras are applicable in the matters of this Law and supplementarily any provision on the subject contained in national legislation.

The objectives of this Law are:

• 1)

  To raise awareness and educate the population so that it understands the causes and effects of environmental problems, positions itself appropriately and values its environmental surroundings;

• 2)

  To involve the different actors of society, individuals, community-based, business, governmental and private sectors in the organization, coordination, evaluation, supervision and development of environmental education and communication at the national level;

The principles for Environmental Education and Communication that shall be applied are:

• 1)

  SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. A systematic process to generate a change in attitude in persons to act with responsibility in the development, protection, conservation, preservation and rational use of natural resources;

• 2)

  ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. The capacity to make sustained use with future projection, firmness and continuity of environmental resources;

• 3)

  INTEGRALITY. The linkage or relationship of environmental management in all its elements;

• 4)

  SUBSIDIARITY. This principle provides that environmental problems be resolved at the most immediate level, without disregarding the responsibility of other instances;

• 5)

  GENERATIONAL COMMITMENT. The responsibility of persons to leave a legacy of resources, knowledge and attitudes that guarantee a better quality of life for future generations;

• 6)

  PRAGMATISM. The application of knowledge in the immediate solution of problems; and,

• 7)

  TERRITORIAL ORDERING. The regulation and efficient relationship of persons and their natural resources, linked in a spatial perspective.

For the purposes of this Law, the following terms are understood as: ENVIRONMENT. An integrated set comprised of natural resources, cultural resources and rural and urban space, susceptible to being altered by physical, chemical, biological and any other type of factors, provoked by nature or human activities, that directly or indirectly affects the life conditions of man and the development of society. ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDE. Habits and customs in relation to the environment and its resources. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION AND INTERPRETATION. A systematic process of exchange of information, aimed at generating, interpreting and responding to the information, data and opinion needs related to the responsible management of the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS. Manifestation of the mastery of knowledge, attitudes and values that enable persons to act with their own conviction with respect, ethics and dignity and in harmony with the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION. Any alteration or modification of the environment that may harm human health, threaten natural and cultural resources, ethnic resources or affect the resources in general of the Nation (Article 3 Title 1, Chapter I of the Regulation of the General Environmental Law). ECOSYSTEM. A unit of physical factors, environmental elements and biological organisms that present a structure of functioning and self-regulation, as a result of the multiple reciprocal actions among all its components. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. A methodological process that systematizes curricular plans in areas of knowledge related to environmental, economic, social, cultural and political development. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. All systematic actions directed at the population, which seeks to develop in the Honduran person new knowledge, sense of values and attitudes characterized by full respect for the environment that allows the efficient use of available natural resources. RISK MANAGEMENT. Systematic management of administrative decisions, organization, operational capacities and responsibilities for the articulation of policies with the aim of reducing the impact from threats associated with natural phenomena and environmental hazards related thereto. This encompasses all types of activities, including structural and non-structural measures to prevent (prevention), and limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse effects of threats and to prepare (emergency response) and recover from the consequences of events. (DIPECHO, 2004). ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETATION. Educational activity that aspires to reveal the meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, through first-hand experiences, and through illustrative means rather than simply communicating literal information. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Effects on the natural environment of human activities including indirect effects of contamination, for example, in addition to direct ones such as tree felling. NATIONAL SYSTEM OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION. An ordered set of actors, procedures, policies, regulations and strategies that act in a coordinated manner to promote and disseminate education and communication. SUSTAINABLE. Able to maintain integrity permanently. SUSTENTABLE. Scientific arguments exist to defend with just and verifiable reasons. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK CHAPTER II OF THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

The following integrate the National System of Environmental Education and Communication and are subject to the provisions of this Law: The State Secretaries in the Offices of: Education (SE) and Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA). Council of Higher Education, National Commission for the Development of Alternative Non-Formal Education (CONEANFO), National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP), and representation of Non-Governmental Environmental Organizations (NGOs) and the Federation of Magisterial Organizations (FOMH), through the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA), and public, community and private institutions that develop activities in the field of environmental education.

The National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA) is hereby created, as a body of consultation and coordination, concertation, monitoring and social control in matters of environmental education and communication, which shall be comprised of the following members:

• 1)

  The Secretary of State in the Office of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA) or his/her representative;

• 2)

  The Secretary of State in the Office of Education or his/her representative;

• 3)

  The Secretary of State in the Office of Health or his/her representative;

• 4)

  The President of the National Commission for the Development of Alternative Non-Formal Education (CONEANFO) or his/her representative;

• 5)

  The Director of the National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) or his/her representative;

• 6)

  The Director of the Council of Higher Education or his/her representative;

• 7)

  A Representative of Non-Governmental Environmental Organizations (NGOs) selected from the State Secretary in the Office of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA);

• 8)

  The President of the Federation of Magisterial Organizations of Honduras (FOMH); and,

• 9)

  The President of the Association of Municipalities of Honduras (AMIHON) or his/her representative. The National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA) shall be coordinated on an alternating basis each year, by the State Secretary in the Offices of: Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA) and Education, and shall hold ordinary sessions at least two (2) times per year and extraordinary sessions when convened by the Secretary at the request of any of its coordinators or a number of not fewer than five (5) of its members. For budgetary purposes of operation and support, the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication shall be attached to the State Secretary in the Office of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA).

The functions of the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA) are the following:

• 1)

  To propose and formulate proposals regarding the policies and strategies, instruments, plans and projects that the Executive Branch should apply as part of the global environmental policy in the field of environmental education and communication. To establish the integration of the proposals from the institutions that are part of it, in relation to their responsibility with respect to the environment;

• 2)

  To promote among its members the elaboration and implementation of the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication, including all environmental actions that compete to public and private sectors;

• 3)

  To ensure that strategies for sensitization and raising awareness of the population are implemented, emphasizing civic and moral values, at formal, non-formal and informal levels, whose practices are reflected in the curriculum plans and programs of all subsystems and levels of education;

• 4)

  To establish a system of monitoring and surveillance to evaluate the results of all actions executed within the framework of the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication, in order that its proposals be incorporated in Development Plans, Programs and Budgets;

• 5)

  To plan in a coordinated manner the assignment of personnel with the respective technical and methodological evaluation in the different educational centers at the pre-basic, basic and secondary levels; likewise for the Municipal Environmental Units (UAM), in order that qualified human resources with a successful track record in this field be utilized on a permanent basis, allowing for the continuity of actions and programs;

• 6)

  To maintain an updated record of technicians trained as Environmental Educators, Tourism and/or Environmental Promoters and other technical professionals trained both at national and international levels, so that they may participate in programs and projects of the State Secretariat, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Enterprise;

• 7)

  To establish permanent coordination with the Commissions of: Municipal Affairs, Environment, Natural Resources, Education, Telecommunications, Disasters and Contingency of the National Congress;

• 8)

  To coordinate with national and international organizations the technical and financial support for the execution of projects, community activities, campaigns, events and others that strengthen environmental education and communication in accordance with the commitments acquired in environmental agreements signed between Honduras and other nations according to their competence;

• 9)

  To propose the approval and implementation of the Plan of Recognition and Incentives to reward the environmental work developed by natural and legal persons;

• 10)

  To reach agreements or resolutions and document them in inter-institutional agreements when deemed convenient to give them binding character for those who subscribe to them; and,

• 11)

  To establish a system of information and semi-annual evaluation available that contributes to strengthen the programming of activities and achievements of environmental education and communication, thereby promoting greater coordination of municipalities with the Formal and Non-formal Sector.

An Inter-institutional Technical Committee for Environmental Education and Communication (COTIEDUCA) is hereby created, comprised of expert delegates from the State Secretaries in the Offices of: Education (SE) and Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) and National Commission for the Development of Alternative Non-Formal Education (CONEANFO) with the following functions:

• 1)

  To elaborate the preliminary draft of the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication. To prepare the preliminary draft budgets corresponding to the commitments established in the Plan;

• 2)

  To provide technical support to the operation of the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication; and,

• 3)

  To establish the Implementation Plan for Human and Technical Resources that the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CODECA) plans, regularly and schedules national environmental campaigns in a coordinated manner with governmental and private institutions promoting the effective use of citizenship, the media and State funds, the private sector and international financial support. SECTORAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN MATTERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

It is the responsibility of the State Secretaries in the Offices of: Education (SE) and Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), the joint sectoral responsibility for the development of environmental education and communication policies. OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER STATE INSTITUTIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

It corresponds to the State Secretary in the Office of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) to integrate itself into the mission of safeguarding the environment and the rational use of natural resources by employing appropriate techniques in the use of orchards and forests with appropriate exploitation methods, without altering the balance of ecosystems.

It corresponds to the State Secretary in the Office of Health to incorporate the cross-cutting axis of environmental education and communication in actions of basic sanitation and contamination of air, water, soil and forest, in order to guarantee an appropriate living environment for the population.

It corresponds to the State Secretary in the Offices of Culture, Arts and Sports to incorporate the cross-cutting axis of environmental education and communication in the activities of protection, conservation and restoration of anthropological, historical, cultural, artistic, sports and ethnic heritage as well as the natural surroundings of the different regions of the country.

The State Secretary in the Office of Education, as part of the National System of Risk Management (SINAGER), shall be responsible for the educational aspect in matters of risk management and disaster prevention.

It corresponds to the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT) to incorporate the cross-cutting axis of environmental education and communication in the activities of stimulating and promoting tourism through the protection, conservation, restoration and rational use of national tourism resources, ensuring that they are carried out in accordance with the carrying capacity of the areas of the country.

It corresponds to the National Institute of Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF) to incorporate the cross-cutting axis of environmental education and communication in relation to the administration and management of Forest Resources, Protected Areas and Wildlife, including their protection, restoration, use, conservation and promotion, fostering sustainable development, in accordance with the social, economic, environmental and cultural interest of the country, through the National System of Forest Research, Protected Areas and Wildlife (SINFOR) and research, investigation and education activities.

HONDURAN COUNCIL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (COHCIT). It shall be the responsibility of the Honduran Council of Science and Technology (COHCIT) to establish with the National Environmental Information System (SINA) of the Secretary of State in the Office of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), mechanisms of appropriate advanced technology for easy access to the information it generates and that is useful for environmental education and communication.

THE INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY (IAH). It shall be the responsibility of the Institute of Anthropology and History (IAH) to establish measures for the protection of historical-cultural heritage by employing educational actions, geo-referencing archaeological sites of national interest by means of archaeological maps and information directed to the population in order to preserve and protect values in harmony with the environment. RESPONSIBLE BODIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION

The Secretary of State in the Office of Education shall convert the Environmental Education and Health Program (PEAS) into the Department of Environmental Education and Communication and Health (DECOAS) dependent on the General Directorate of Pedagogical Services of the Secretary of State in the Office of Education, with the following responsibilities:

• 1)

  Incorporate environmental education and communication as a cross-cutting axis of the curriculum design, which shall be structured under the specifications of the Regulations of this Law;

• 2)

  Coordinate with the Departments of Curriculum Design and Educational Technology and others of the Secretary of State in the Office of Education the incorporation of environmental topics in an integrated manner in study programs, guides, brochures, audiovisual materials, manuals, work notebooks, sheets, fascicles and other documents for environmental education and communication;

• 3)

  Review, update, validate, publish and distribute in educational centers and libraries the guides, brochures, audiovisual materials, manuals, work notebooks, sheets, fascicles and other environmental education documents as teaching-learning tools directed to teachers, students and civil society in general;

• 4)

  Reorganize, update, validate, publish every three (3) years the standards on Community Teaching Practice and Educational and Social Work, referring to the environmental aspect; based on the results of the annual evaluation;

• 5)

  Coordinate with the Department of Environmental Education and Communication of the Secretary of State in the Offices of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), the training and updating in environmental education and communication for teaching staff, District and Departmental environmental coordinators;

• 6)

  Promote in the Departmental and District Directorates the transformations of the Coordinations of Environmental Education and Health (CODEAS) to Units of Environmental Education and Communication;

• 7)

  Design the profile of personnel in charge of planning structured, efficient and multidisciplinary educational models to provide services in each of the Departmental and District Directorates of Education. The personnel to perform this activity shall be comprised of teachers or professionals in education at the higher level, in the areas of biology, environmental law, forestry and agronomy;

• 8)

  Promote protected areas as pedagogical resources for research, training and promotion of ecotourism;

• 9)

  Establish and foster participation so that all educational centers at the national level participate in community actions that promote the improvement of the environmental surroundings of the Community;

• 10)

  Coordinate with the Institute of Conservation and Development of Forests, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), actions of protection and reforestation in different educational centers; and,

• 11)

  Coordinate programs with the Secretary of State in the Office of Health in what concerns this Law. OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE OFFICES OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (SERNA)

The Department of Environmental Education and Communication is hereby created, attached to the Directorate of Environmental Management of the Secretary of State in the Offices of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), with the following responsibilities:

• 1)

  Prepare the dissemination materials that are pedagogical and communicative related to environmental matters,

• 2)

  Coordinate the preparation of texts, graphic material of multimedia, guides, brochures, materials, audiovisual, manuals, work notebooks, sheets, fascicles and other documents for environmental education and communication for the purposes of non-formal education;

• 3)

  Conduct research, environmental projects, management of the information system, territorial planning system, environmental statistics to be used in any of the processes or phases of environmental education and communication;

• 4)

  Apply and strengthen knowledge management with new methodologies and computer environmental technologies in non-formal and informal education;

• 5)

  Coordinate with the General Directorates, Regional Offices, Programs, Units and Projects of the Secretary of State in the Offices of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA) the implementation of the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication and other environmental actions that this Law requires;

• 6)

  Support and promote the updating and conceptualization of non-formal and informal environmental education and communication in coordination with the bodies of the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA);

• 7)

  Promote, manage, plan and execute with Municipal Environmental Units (UAM's), Environmental Management Units (UGA), Civil Society Organizations, Permanent Committee for Contingencies (COPFECO), centralized and decentralized public sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (ONG's) and private sector, actions of training for personnel, both technical, teaching and administrative, in order to enhance institutional capacities; and,

• 8)

  Provide technical assistance in the field of its environmental specialty to all institutions. OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

It shall be the responsibility of all institutions that comprise the Higher Education Council the following:

• 1)

  Strengthen the processes of teaching, research and extension to incorporate human resources and pedagogical technical resources in the environmental topic;

• 2)

  Establish physical facilities for research projects and installations in environmental matters on a permanent basis in all Higher Level Educational Centers at the national level; and,

• 3)

  Establish on a permanent basis activities that promote the relationship of students in their community environment in environmental topics. OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE NON-FORMAL EDUCATION (CONEANFO) AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (INFOP)

In a coordinated manner with the Secretary of State in the Offices of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), the National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) and the National Commission for the Development of Alternative Non-Formal Education (CONEANFO), and in accordance with the guidelines of the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA), shall define the vision and thematic and pedagogical perspective that in environmental matters must be contained in the various programs of non-formal environmental education and communication.

The National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) incorporates into the plans and strategies of professional training the component of environmental education and communication.

The National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) incorporates in its laboratory practices, in its workshops and in research spaces, that which refers to the national use of environmental resources and the protection of the environment. OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DECENTRALIZED INSTITUTIONS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: HONDUTEL, SANAA, ENEE, AGRARIAN INSTITUTE (INA), INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY AND FORESTRY.

Decentralized Institutions must include in their intervention plans the component of environmental education and communication in order to strengthen the actions that they develop in their respective fields.

• 1)

  The State through the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL), shall regulate matters related to the dissemination of topics related to education and communication by electronic media, legislation and environmental information;

• 2)

  The Autonomous National Service of Aqueducts and Sewers (SANAA) and municipalities, water management boards, community associations, in the management of water resources, shall ensure that their plans of linkage with society include the component of communication and environmental education, with the purpose of appropriately managing the water-producing zones (basins and micro basins); complying with the directives that in a coordinated manner shall be established by the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA);

• 3)

  The National Agrarian Institute (INA) and the Institute of Property and municipalities shall endeavor in the processes of distribution, and simultaneously with the titling and registration of lands to respect the laws, protection of the environment and shall include programs of environmental education for their beneficiaries; and,

• 4)

  The other decentralized, semi-autonomous or autonomous institutions of the State, shall operate under the same conditions and quality as those specified in the previous articles. OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MUNICIPALITIES

It shall be the responsibility of municipalities with the technical assistance of the National Commission of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA) to establish Programs of Environmental Education and Communication, especially in the following aspects:

• 1)

  Shall operate under the coordination of Municipal Environmental Units (UAM's), Environmental Coordination Committees, and Interinstitutional Environmental Communication (CECAI), comprised of representatives of public, private entities and civil society;

• 2)

  Incorporate in their Strategic Plans for Municipal Development, programs and projects oriented to environmental education and Communication (CONECA) establish Program of Environmental Education and Communication, especially in the following aspects:

• 3)

  Establish a system of monitoring and follow-up to the development of projects, in relation to environmental education and communication; and,

• 4)

  Establish a system of municipal incentives for programs and projects of environmental education and communication. OF THE PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE THROUGH THE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM TO SUPPORT:

• 1)

  The development of programs and projects of environmental education and communication;

• 2)

  Support through incentives such as:

  • a)

    Public recognition;

  • b)

    Bonifications accredited to their tax contributions; and, c) Officialized public participation in national and/or international events.

• 3)

  Grant credits and incentives to natural and legal persons that contribute to the development of environmental education and communication programs and that are companies that promote this type of environmentally responsible initiatives OF THE PARTICIPATION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (ONG's)

IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (ONG's) AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS (OPD's).

• 1)

  Establish a permanent communication link with the Department of Environmental Education and Communication and Health (DECOAS) and the Department of Environmental Education and Communication Municipal (DECAM) in the development of programs and projects of education, health and environmental communication;

• 2)

  Create and promote strategies that foster direct and effective actions oriented, and matter of environmental education and communication; and,

• 3)

  Receive and grant incentives for the actions of environmental education and communication that lead to the achievement of the objectives of this Law, through: a) Public and private recognition; and, b) Officialized public participation in national and/or international events. OF FINANCING

The institutions comprised in this Law shall make effective their financial contribution through national funds, external financing, private and other modalities that strengthen the execution of their actions.

• 1)

  Ensure that the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication prepared by the National Council of Environmental Education and Communication (CONECA) has budgetary allocation in the institutions comprised in this Law with funds from the State that financially contribute to environmental education and communication;

• 2)

  Allocate for the implementation of this Law a minimum percentage which shall be determined by the Association of Municipalities of Honduras (AMIHON) as part of its commitment in the Law of Municipalities; and,

• 3)

  Authorize the institutions comprised in this Law the Secretaries of State in the Offices of Education (SE) and Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), so that they may manage funds from private enterprise and international cooperation organizations that promote the purpose of this Law.

The Secretary of State in the Office of Finance is hereby authorized to constitute a trust under the denomination of FUND FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION, to be initiated with the approval and income generated from the green seal, whose resources shall be allocated progressively by the State in accordance with the provision and budgetary availability, and which shall be used exclusively in projects and programs of environmental education and communication. The fund shall not be used for payment of salaries and wages of any of the State institutions. The Heritage of the Fund shall consist of: 1) The contributions of the State; and, 2) Inheritances, legacies and donations from national and international institutions

The respective Regulations of this Law shall establish the mechanisms to make effective the provisions of financing of the National Plan of Environmental Education and Communication. 1) Provide the budgetary allocation to hire necessary personnel with professional training in environmental sciences or related careers in order to achieve compliance with the objectives of this Law; and, 2) Social audit, resource oversight and accountability (transparency) on a semi-annual basis, based on projected results. CHAPTER III TECHNICAL STANDARDS OF FORMAL, NON-FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION OF FORMAL EDUCATION

OF PRE-BASIC, BASIC AND SECONDARY LEVELS. Implement environmental themes in an integrated manner within the current National Basic Curriculum, through the following actions:

• 1)

  Incorporate the cross-cutting axis of environmental education and communication in educational processes in accordance with the current national curriculum;

• 2)

  Conduct curricular adaptations according to local and regional context, through practical and in-depth actions that lead to permanent behavioral change;

• 3)

  Develop projects and events for environmental education and communication at both national and departmental and municipal levels with a scientific basis and with projection toward the Community;

• 4)

  Promote the participation of School and Student Governments, Teacher Networks, teachers' organizations and their affiliates and Parents and Mothers organizations in community self-management projects for the benefit of the communal environment;

• 5)

  Organize Centers of Resources for Environmental Education and Communication at the Departmental and District level, to provide necessary educational materials for training directed at facilitator teachers and coordinators with the advisory support of the Departmental and District Coordinators of environmental education and communication;

• 6)

  In compliance with Decree No. 66-96 approved by the National Congress on May 21, 1996, incorporate into educational and communicative activities the celebration of the annual festival of music and song to nature and exaltation of the forest and implement the environmental calendar in environmental education events;

• 7)

  The State Secretariat in the Office of Education shall create careers at the Technical Secondary level for the training of environmental promoters in order to have professionals who promote knowledge in this area;

• 8)

  The State Secretariat in the Office of Education shall allocate and manage funds to establish a Scholarship Plan for the Training of Technical Secondary Graduates in Environmental Promotion, whose requirements shall be established in the Regulations of this Law;

• 9)

  The State Secretariat in the Office of Education shall allocate budgetary items to guarantee the functioning of the Department of Environmental Education, Health and Communication, as well as for the Departmental Coordinators of Environmental Education and Communication (CODEECA); and,

• 10)

  In order to make this Law operative, the Departmental Directorates in coordination with the Department of Environmental Education and Communication shall appoint the Departmental and Municipal Coordinators of Environmental Education, Health and Communication, within the framework of decentralization and deconcentration in consultation with local authorities, in accordance with the professional profile that the Regulations shall stipulate. RESPONSIBILITY OF UNIVERSITIES THAT COMPRISE THE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION

CORRESPONDS TO THE HIGHER LEVEL.

• 1)

  The centers that comprise the Council of Higher Education shall form human resources in undergraduate and graduate levels with a sustainable environmental vision and mission with educational modalities in-person, virtual and distance;

• 2)

  Promote the creation of careers for training of environmental researcher promoters at the university technician level, plan and give priority to the opening of academic careers in undergraduate and postgraduate programs that allow citizens to specialize in the fields of environmental education and communication;

• 3)

  Operate Research Centers that facilitate scientific knowledge of the advancement of environmental education and communication, establishing programs for exchange of environmental experiences and results;

• 4)

  University Extension shall promote knowledge in environmental matters through the dissemination of academic and cultural manifestations;

• 5)

  The Centers of the Council of Higher Education, in addition to the inclusion of the subject matter, shall integrate as a cross-cutting axis the topic of environmental education and communication in the training of the different study careers;

• 6)

  Plan and give priority to the opening of diplomas and academic careers at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels that allow citizens to specialize in the fields of environmental education and communication; and,

• 7)

  The Council of Higher Education shall establish in the Law the necessary curriculum for the training of teachers and promoters, the subject of Didactics of Environmental Education and Communication and Health and for Researchers and Social Communicators, the subjects of Environmental Policy, Statistics and Research.

Non-formal education shall promote specific programs of environmental education and communication while also integrating the environmental theme as a cross-cutting axis in all its options and modalities that address the deficit of formal education.

Municipal corporations, inter-municipal associations and media, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Private Development Organizations (PDOs), civil society and environmental organizations shall incorporate non-formal education programs and projects aimed at environmental dissemination and communication.

The Inter-institutional Technical Committee for Environmental Education and Communication (COTIEDUCA) in coordination with the National Commission for the Development of Non-Formal Alternative Education (CONEANFO) and the National Institute of Professional Training (INFOP) shall design special programs for the training of community promoters in different areas of environmental education and communication.

Informal education in the environmental area is promoted by social media outlets, the family, civil society organizations and individuals, forming attitudes, personal and collective values that protect, conserve and restore the environment and natural resources.

Programs and projects for informal education directed toward environmental education and communication that are executed in the country shall be incorporated into municipal corporations, inter-municipal associations, media outlets, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Private Development Organizations (PDOs), civil society and environmental organizations.

The incorporation of programs and projects of the Municipal Environmental Units (UAMs) must include direct actions for communities in their geographic area:

• 1)

  Provide permanent support to projects and programs of reforestation, protection, conservation, education, reinforcing and expanding these and promoting a harmonious relationship among all projects and local actors;

• 2)

  Promote the participation of youth, fathers and mothers of families in self-management projects with different community groups for benefits of the communal environment;

• 3)

  Incorporate local councils of Protected Areas and other community organizations that are currently formed and those that will be organized in the future, so that they participate in environmental activities;

• 4)

  Support co-management projects established in shared management agreements with the National Institute of Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), of the Municipalities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Private Development Organizations (PDOs) to incorporate environmental education and communication in protected areas; and,

• 5)

  Apply both technical and educational knowledge in the proper use of natural resources in a sustainable manner, emphasizing self-management with different community groups.

Media outlets shall provide adequate spaces within their programming that guarantee the promotion of environmental culture, resorting to the Department of Environmental Education and Communication (DECOAS) and the Municipal Department of Environmental Education and Communication (DECAM).

The State Secretariats in the Offices of: Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA) and Education (SE) must implement strategies to involve social media outlets in the dissemination of information related to the formation of environmental culture promoted by this Law:

• 1)

  Plan educational processes to internalize concepts such as human being and global citizen, coexistence and sustainable development;

• 2)

  The owners of media outlets are obligated to train their journalists in environmental matters periodically and conduct training sessions so that social communicators update their specialized training in the subject of environment and national use of natural resources;

• 3)

  Promote the formation of teams of environmental communicators and educators within groups of scientific research and specialization in environmental matters in the same manner that exists for economic, political and sports aspects;

• 4)

  Develop strategies and educational materials that are presented periodically to the citizenry on the problems of environmental education;

• 5)

  Foster information for audiovisual production in thematic areas considering the reality of the regions and integrating the exchange of materials produced in other countries;

• 6)

  Use alternative communication methods produced by local communities employing radio, television, theater, photography, ecological games, music and others;

• 7)

  Integrate environmental education and communication actions in the major strategic actions of Honduras' biodiversity;

• 8)

  Facilitate environmental media and information and resources from the environmental area to Educational Centers, Departmental and/or Municipal Coordinators of Environmental Education and Communication and Departmental Coordinators of Environments (CODEA), Co-managers of Protected Areas, Environmental Youth Clubs, Regional Centers of Environmental Education (CREA), Mobile and Rural Community Libraries or other initiatives in order to effectively carry out environmental education and communication actions; and,

• 9)

  Make use of centers of documentation and environmental information established in public and private institutions, in order to strengthen their informative and educational function; and,

• 10)

  Maintain an updated registry of technicians trained as Environmental Educators, Tourism Promoters, Environmentalists and others of similar training so that they participate in different media outlets.

Incorporate the environmental component in all agreements, treaties, accords and projects proposed by International and National Cooperation.

Establish a system of permanent and systematic evaluation that measures the advances and results of the implementation of the Law, which shall be administered by the Technical Committee.

OF SANCTIONS. Non-compliance with what is established in this Law, by those obligated to comply with it, shall give rise to the application of the following framework of administrative sanctions that shall be typified in the corresponding Regulations. The actions or omissions violating the environmental education and communication plans of all public and private institutions referred to in this Law shall be sanctioned. Monetary sanctions shall be quantified in minimum wages or in the alternative in kind such as: Repair of educational centers, donation of equipment and supplies, recovery of degraded areas, community work, payment of professional contracts for specific environmental projects.

OF TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS: 1) Both State Secretariats in the Offices of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA) and Education (SE) shall make technical administrative adjustments in accordance with what is stipulated in this Law; and, 2) To make this Law effective it must be regulated within a period of ninety (90) days after its publication in the Official Gazette La Gaceta.

OF FINAL PROVISIONS. Regarding resources, we appeal the resolutions issued by the authorities included within the scope of this Law, proceeding in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Administrative Procedures and other applicable laws:

DEFINITIONS OF ACRONYMS.

• 1)

  CONFCA: National Council for Environmental Education and Communication;

• 2)

  CONEANFO: National Commission for the Development of Alternative Non-Formal Education;

• 3)

  INFOP: National Institute for Professional Training;

• 4)

  FOMH: Federation of Teaching Organizations of Honduras;

• 5)

  COTIEDUCA: Inter-Institutional Technical Committee for Environmental Education and Communication;

• 6)

  COPECO: Permanent Committee for Contingencies;

• 7)

  IHT: Honduran Tourism Institute;

• 8)

  ICF: National Institute for Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife;

• 9)

  COHCIT: Honduran Council for Science and Technology;

• 10)

  SINIA: National System for Environmental Information;

• 11)

  DECOAS: Department for Environmental Education and Communication and Health;

• 12)

  DECAM: Municipal Department for Environmental Education and Communication;

• 13)

  UAM: Municipal Environmental Units;

• 14)

  UGA: Environmental Management Unit;

• 15)

  NGOs: Non-Governmental Organizations;

• 16)

  OPDs: Private Development Organizations;

• 17)

  CECAI: Inter-Institutional Environmental Coordination Educational Committees;

• 18)

  CODEAS: Environmental Education and Health Coordinating Offices;

• 19)

  UDECA: Departmental Unit for Environmental Education and Communication;

• 20)

  PEAS: Environmental Education and Health Program; and,

• 21)

  CREA: Regional Centers for Environmental Education.

This Law shall enter into force as of the date of its publication in the Official Gazette "La Gaceta". Given in the city of Tegucigalpa, municipality of the Central District, in the Session Hall of the National Congress, on the twenty-sixth day of the month of July of two thousand nine. JOSÉ ALFREDO SAAVEDRA PAZ PRESIDENT CARLOS ALFREDO LARA WATSON SECRETARY GONZALO ANTONIO RIVERA SECRETARY To the Executive Branch. Therefore: Let it be executed. Tegucigalpa, M.D.C., August 28, 2009. ROBERTO MICHELETTI BAÍN CONSTITUTIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. VALERIO GUTIÉRREZ The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education. SANTOS ELIO SOSA