This week has seen representatives of 46 of the 51 countries from around the world that participate in the Eco-schools programme come to Scotland.

Scotland is a world leader for Eco-schools and it has been an honour for Scotland to host the 2010 Eco-Schools International Conference. 

Scotland has embraced the Eco-Schools programme and it has been a great success here.  

Over 1,100 schools and pre-schools in Scotland have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag already and we are optimistic that by 2014 the number of Green Flag centres of learning will rise to 2000. It is important to remain ambitious and build on the momentum. 

Eco-schools have played a key role in helping promote a whole-school approach to sustainability that is so important –through the curriculum, through the way buildings and grounds are run and through the culture and ethos of the school. 

There are challenges but there are also opportunities. In education, there is a strong sense of the importance of sustainable development to young people as they develop as learners and citizens, ready to meet the challenges of a globalised 21st century. 

Earlier this week the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, launched the Low Carbon Economic Strategy. Around 60,000 new green jobs are expected by 2020 and it is important that young people have skills, knowledge and attitudes to be successful in a low carbon, sustainable future.  

I have also been pleased to support the introduction of a Food topic in the Eco-schools programme and there are valuable lessons in terms of sustainability, local sourcing, resource management and global demand. Climate Change also provides a wealth of learning opportunities. 

Scotland’s natural environment is a precious resource and something that we’re globally renowned for, from our diverse species of birds and mammals, to our spectacular landscape.

 By weaving an understanding of its value and beauty into Curriculum for Excellence, we can create a generation of environmentally aware young people who respect the need for sustainable living. 

The Eco-Schools Programme is a considerable step towards making that happen.

Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Environment