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Activity 3 Balancing Sustainability and Human Needs
Learning Goals: By engaging in this activity, participants will develop effective strategies that promote both environmental sustainability and the satisfaction of human needs. By analysing the causes and consequences of sustainable and unsustainable development practices, insights into how certain actions may impact the environment and human well-being in the long run can be gained. Additionally, critically evaluating the challenges and opportunities in achieving a balance between environmental stewardship and human well-being allow to identify potential solutions and innovations that can lead to a more sustainable future for all.
Topic: Icebreaking/ teambuilding exercise: Set up a speed networking session where participants have a few minutes to discuss their interests and experiences around specific SDGs. Give prompts or questions to guide the conversation, like “What inspired you to get involved with SDG 13 (climate action)?” or “How do you think we can reach SDG 4 (quality schooling) in our community?” Main Content of the Lesson with the Procedure and Methodology of the module: The title of the activity is “Balancing Sustainability and Human Needs”, it is expected to last around 60 minutes. This activity helps participants to develop strategies for achieving environmental sustainability and meeting human needs. It analyses sustainable and unsustainable practices. It identifies long-term impacts on the environment and human well-being. Possible solutions are identified through critical evaluation of challenges. Evaluation: The assessment is made up of open-ended questions
Time	60 minutes
Learning objectives	By engaging in this activity, participants will develop effective strategies that promote both environmental sustainability and the satisfaction of human needs. By analysing the causes and consequences of sustainable and unsustainable development practices, insights into how certain actions may impact the environment and human well-being in the long run can be gained. Additionally, critically evaluating the challenges and opportunities in achieving a balance between environmental stewardship and human well-being allow to identify potential solutions and innovations that can lead to a more sustainable future for all.
Content / Methodology/Evaluation	Introduction: Start by asking participants to explain how they interpret the concepts of basic human needs and environmental sustainability. Give a brief summary of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their emphasis on balancing social justice, economic progress and environmental protection. Main Content: Present a scenario or a case study that illustrates the challenges and opportunities of achieving a balance between environmental sustainability and human needs. Ask participants to identify the causes and consequences of unsustainable development practices related to the scenario or case study. Facilitate a discussion on possible sustainable alternatives to unsustainable practices. Case study examples - www.networknature.eu/network-nature-case-study-finder Group Activities: Divide the participants into small groups of 3 to 5 people. Provide each group with a scenario or case study that illustrates the challenges and opportunities in the balance between environmental sustainability and human needs. Ask each group to identify the causes and consequences of unsustainable development practices and possible sustainable alternatives, and to analyse the scenario or case study. Bring the groups back together for a facilitated discussion, encouraging them to share what they found and learned. Discussion: Encourage participants to consider how, by addressing these issues, we can embark on a journey towards a sustainable future where economic prosperity, human well-being and environmental protection coexist harmoniously. Working together, SDGs, technology and individuals can cultivate a socially conscious and sustainable culture that benefits our communities and the planet. Methodology: Scenario analysis: Encourage critical thinking and analysis of real-life examples. Cause and effect analysis: Promote a deeper understanding of the consequences of unsustainable practices. Exploring sustainable alternatives: Encourage creativity and innovation in finding sustainable solutions. SDG challenges and opportunities: Encourage proactive thinking and problem-solving. SDG Action Planning: Support the development of practical and achievable actions. Evaluation: The facilitator can complete an evaluation of this activity through the following questions: How can we achieve a balance between environmental protection and meeting the fundamental needs of all people? What are the ethical considerations involved in prioritising human needs over environmental protection? Can technology help us transition to more sustainable ways of living and producing goods? Provide three examples of unsustainable development practices that have negative consequences for the environment and human well-being. Provide three examples of sustainable alternatives to unsustainable practices in agriculture, energy production, and waste management.
Material / Tools / Equipment	Whiteboard or projector Markers or pens SDG posters or images Markers, stickers, or other materials
Comments	Through engaging discussions and practical exercises throughout the programme, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the SDGs and how they relate to human needs. Using the data presented in Module 1.1, participants will gain a significant understanding of the importance and implementation of these global goals. References: www.sdgs.un.org/goals www.networknature.eu/network-nature-case-study-finder

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