| Abstract | Ekologija i održivi razvoj u suvremenom društvu dobivaju sve veći značaj, suočeni s problemima poput zagađenja, klimatskih promjena i iscrpljivanja prirodnih resursa. Ekologija se definira kao interdisciplinirana znanost o interakcijama između živih organizama i njihovog okoliša. Eko-vrtići kao odgojno-obrazovne ustanove imaju ključnu ulogu u integriranju ekoloških tema u svakodnevni rad s djecom. Djeca kroz ovaj program uče odgovorno ponašanje prema prirodi te se potiče razvoj njihove ekološke svijesti. Program Eko-škole, u okviru kojeg djeluju i eko-vrtići, usmjeren je na aktivno uključivanje djece, roditelja i šire zajednice u ekološke aktivnosti, s naglaskom na konkretne akcije poput recikliranja i racionalnog korištenja resursa. Uloga eko-vrtića je stoga neprocjenjiva u stvaranju temelja za održivi razvoj i oblikovanje ekološki osviještenih pojedinaca. Važnu ulogu u ekološkom odgoju ima odgojitelj, koji svojim primjerom i angažmanom potiču djecu na usvajanje ekoloških vrijednosti. Ekološka svijest, razvija se kao odgovor na ekološku krizu i obuhvaća znanje, emocionalne i etičke aspekte odnosa prema okolišu. Cilj rada je istražiti u relevantnoj literaturi definicije, utjecaje, ciljeve, izazove i pristupe ekologiji, ekološkom odgoju, ekološkoj svijesti, eko-vrtićima te održivom razvoju. Metodologija rada temelji se na analizi sadržaja i proučavanju relevantne literature kako bi se ispitao doprinos eko-vrtića razvoju ekološke svijesti kod djece, a rezultati istraživanja potvrđuju važnost sustavnog pristupa ekološkom obrazovanju od najranije dobi te da ekološki odgoj kroz ovakve programe doprinosi globalnim ciljevima održivog razvoja i ima potencijal za dugoročan utjecaj na društvo kroz uključivanje svih aktera – djece, roditelja i lokalne zajednice. |
| Abstract (english) | Ecology and sustainable development are gaining increasing importance in contemporary society, faced with issues such as pollution, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources. Ecology is defined as an interdisciplinary science that studies the interactions between living organisms and their environment. Eco-kindergartens, as educational institutions, play a key role in integrating ecological topics into daily work with children. Through this program, children learn responsible behavior towards nature, and the development of their ecological awareness is encouraged. The Eco-Schools program, which includes eco-kindergartens, focuses on the active involvement of children, parents, and the wider community in ecological activities, emphasizing concrete actions such as recycling and the rational use of resources. Therefore, the role of eco-kindergartens is invaluable in laying the foundation for sustainable development and shaping environmentally conscious individuals. Educators play a crucial role in environmental education by setting an example and motivating children to adopt ecological values. Ecological awareness develops as a response to the ecological crisis and encompasses the knowledge, emotional, and ethical aspects of the relationship with the environment. The aim of this paper is to explore in relevant literature the definitions, impacts, goals, challenges, and approaches to ecology, environmental education, ecological awareness, eco-kindergartens, and sustainable development. The methodology of the paper is based on content analysis and the study of relevant literature to examine the contribution of eco-kindergartens to the development of ecological awareness in children. The research results confirm the importance of a systematic approach to environmental education from an early age and that environmental education through such programs contributes to global sustainable development goals and has the potential for a long-term impact on society by involving all stakeholders—children, parents, and the local community. |
