The values of EAB are set out below:
- EAB believes that environmental learning and sustainability must be inextricably linked to values and ethical ways of thinking. They also believe that no learning is value-free. Educators can help by finding ways to present aspects of environment and sustainability that allow learners to draw their own conclusions about issues. Recognizing that learning is not value-free, EAB promotes principles which would guide those who wish to participate in environmental learning and sustainability.
- Environmental learning and sustainability is a lifelong process which must include, but is not limited to, formal educational institutions. Learning should promote 'big picture' thinking with local and personal applications. We must find new ways of understanding how we can achieve ecological sustainability while meeting our social and economic needs, ensuring that human economic and social systems are kept in balance with the Earth's natural systems.
- The youth and older children need to be surrounded by the support of knowledgeable, environmentally competent and committed adults whom they can imitate in all aspects of living, and on whom they can count for taking responsible action. Learning must inspire a sense of wonder and awe with respect to nature. Having an authentic, personal experience of 'sense of place', beginning with one's own home and community, is one of the many ways in which citizens can learn environmentally.
- Opportunities should be developed for networks to collaborate and communicate locally, regionally and nationally by including face-to-face and electronic networking, mentoring programs and mechanisms such as newsletters, conferences, web sites. Identifying, reviewing and sharing existing materials, resources, infrastructure and learning stories and making room for under-represented and/or marginalized groups, recognizing that newcomers have much to offer experienced environmental educators.
- Alliances should be built among all sectors: for example, between educators and the private sector, between non-government organizations and governments, and between funding agencies and community groups, including a focus on building trust and sharing guiding principles and models for building alliances and opportunities for long-term partnerships in cross-sectoral form and conferences. Communicating the Framework itself is an opportunity for groups to articulate their goals, seek partners and be recognized for their commitment to the national goal of environmental literacy.