KATHMANDU, Oct 18 – In an effort to train teachers on the issues of environment and earth science, a seven-day training for teachers kicked off here today.

More than 80 teachers and environmentalists from 18 countries are participating in the Asia Pacific GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) International Training workshop. According to the organisers, the training would provide an opportunity to understand “inquiry based learning” which would enable the participants to perceive how the earth system works.

The GLOBE initiative, introduced in April 1994 by US Vice President Al Gore is an international environmental science and education program involving elementary and secondary school in collecting data concerning their local environment and in sharing the data through the internet.

Gore in his written statement has said, “our combined efforts will enhance environmental awareness and contribute significantly to the scientific understanding of the earth.” Dr Ralph Coppola, Chief Educator and Assistant Director for Education and Training read out the message sent by Gore.

According to Coppola 95 nations are partners in the GLOBE programme till date. In Nepal the program was initiated on March 3 after an agreement was signed by the then Secretary at the Ministry of Education and US Ambassador Ralph Frank.