62
Researchers were also interested in reliable primary sources, particularly the perceptions of various networks engaged in ESD in order to form a composite picture
of priority areas and governance for ESD gaps. Twenty-eight (28) ESD Networks
participated in a global survey translated into three languages, namely, English,
Spanish and Portuguese, to increase our understanding of the context of CSD in
non-English-speaking countries.
5.4 Discussion
This section provides a multilevel governance analysis (global, national and institutional) on ESD and key stakeholders’ perceptions on limiting and fostering factors
in collaboration for ESD. It aims to better understand whether ESD policy developed at the global level can be imagined at the national, institutional and local levels
and highlights the factors involved in collaboration for ESD. Conclusions are drawn
from the literature and policy review and highlight key inconsistencies and gaps that
resulted from incompatible perspectives and motivations for realizing the SDG targets at all levels of governance. This section is also based upon research findings
from data collected through a global survey with stakeholder networks engaged in
ESD networks globally. This hopefully helps us understand how to develop rhetoric
that can advance from policy to impact.
5.4.1 Global Level of Governance
The interdisciplinarity of ESD implementation is the need to establish partnerships
with the broader community with institutional leaders promoting sustainability
plans and strategies. Furthermore, adherence to global agreements should play a
major factor in this advancement of policy. Stafford-Smith et al. highlight the interdisciplinarity of ESD implementation. Their research shows that key policy imperatives and limitations with sectorial and stakeholder diversity are evident in ESD
practice. Thus, as mentioned in our previous scholarship analysis, the UNESCO’s
roadmap, the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and now the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) provide a normative standard for policy advancement
and implementation. This normative standard provides a cohesive definition that in
turn aids in the acceleration of sustainable solutions at the local and community
levels in order to increase the participation of ESD stakeholders on multiple levels.
Stafford-Smith also suggested that in order to strengthen multi-stakeholder networks at the local level, it is necessary to improve the quality of local platforms for
learning and cooperation. This could aid in the integration of ESD programmes and
perspective into the planning and decision-making processes of the community.
Another issue found in the literature has to do with implementation of ESD projects. Findings show that the major challenge is to move forward with regard to policy
I. B. Franco and E. Derbyshire
Researchers were also interested in reliable primary sources, particularly the perceptions of various networks engaged in ESD in order to form a composite picture
of priority areas and governance for ESD gaps. Twenty-eight (28) ESD Networks
participated in a global survey translated into three languages, namely, English,
Spanish and Portuguese, to increase our understanding of the context of CSD in
non-English-speaking countries.
5.4 Discussion
This section provides a multilevel governance analysis (global, national and institutional) on ESD and key stakeholders’ perceptions on limiting and fostering factors
in collaboration for ESD. It aims to better understand whether ESD policy developed at the global level can be imagined at the national, institutional and local levels
and highlights the factors involved in collaboration for ESD. Conclusions are drawn
from the literature and policy review and highlight key inconsistencies and gaps that
resulted from incompatible perspectives and motivations for realizing the SDG targets at all levels of governance. This section is also based upon research findings
from data collected through a global survey with stakeholder networks engaged in
ESD networks globally. This hopefully helps us understand how to develop rhetoric
that can advance from policy to impact.
5.4.1 Global Level of Governance
The interdisciplinarity of ESD implementation is the need to establish partnerships
with the broader community with institutional leaders promoting sustainability
plans and strategies. Furthermore, adherence to global agreements should play a
major factor in this advancement of policy. Stafford-Smith et al. highlight the interdisciplinarity of ESD implementation. Their research shows that key policy imperatives and limitations with sectorial and stakeholder diversity are evident in ESD
practice. Thus, as mentioned in our previous scholarship analysis, the UNESCO’s
roadmap, the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and now the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) provide a normative standard for policy advancement
and implementation. This normative standard provides a cohesive definition that in
turn aids in the acceleration of sustainable solutions at the local and community
levels in order to increase the participation of ESD stakeholders on multiple levels.
Stafford-Smith also suggested that in order to strengthen multi-stakeholder networks at the local level, it is necessary to improve the quality of local platforms for
learning and cooperation. This could aid in the integration of ESD programmes and
perspective into the planning and decision-making processes of the community.
Another issue found in the literature has to do with implementation of ESD projects. Findings show that the major challenge is to move forward with regard to policy
I. B. Franco and E. Derbyshire