Establishing a community of practice and embedding education for sustainability at the University of Tasmania

This paper explores the creation of an institution-wide community of practice to address education for sustainability at the University of Tasmania. This exploration is discussed within the context of engagement with the wider University of Tasmania community to raise awareness of, and participation in, Education for Sustainability initiatives, to collect and identify examples of best practice and to provide advice and guidance on the development of a framework for embedding Education for Sustainability across the University of Tasmania curriculum. The paper outlines the opportunities and challenges encountered by community of practice members in sharing their passion and knowledge about education for sustainability. It recommends actions to establish greater collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, between academic and professional staff members, as well as engaging with students and the wider community to create continuing dialogue and adaptive actions to enhance the potential for sustainable livelihoods for future generations. The paper represents a successful trans-disciplinary collaboration between five colleagues from three separate campuses and four different curriculum areas. The paper also focuses on the role of institutions of higher education in the search for a more sustainable future through educating future generations.