ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM RECOGNIZED BY UNESCO FOR EDUCATION AND CULTURE

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized the work of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) in educating people on sustainability through one of the museums most popular exhibits. The RSM was singled out as a ‘good practice' in education for sustainable development (ESD), as part of a UNESCO research project called "Linking Culture, Education and Sustainability: Good Practices and Experiences from Around the World."

"This is a fantastic recognition that demonstrates the stature of the RSM internationally and the excellence of the exhibits, research, programming and staff," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "The RSM is a priceless provincial asset, a world of discovery for thousands of students each year and an important research and scientific organization doing outstanding work."

The RSM's Human Factor exhibit looks at the need to address global and regional problems associated with humanity's large and growing ecological footprint. The exhibit was designed to provide insights about the behaviour of the global ecosystem and human cultural development, to encourage people to think about our dependence on nature and human communities, and to stimulate discussions and actions aimed at sustainable development.

The project researchers selected 25 examples of a ‘good practice' around ESD and culture from 17 countries including, the UK, USA, China, Japan, Morocco, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand and six continents. Only one other Canadian project and one other museum from around the world were selected.

"The RSM is helping us to appreciate how more than ever, we need to understand the issues around sustainability and what they mean to the future and our cherished quality of life here in Saskatchewan," Hutchinson said. "With this recognition, I hope even more people will visit the RSM."

Details about the project can be found at http://insight.glos.ac.uk/SUSTAINABILITY/UNESCOCULTURE/.

Visit www.royalsaskmuseum.ca to learn more about the Life Sciences Gallery and the Human Factor exhibit.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635