In response to the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD), ACCU has mainstreamed its know-how and expertise into the ESD framework, particularly by accommodating its strategies for developing, disseminating and utilising educational materials. Among different educational materials that ACCU has developed over time with Asia-Pacific regional partners, the Package Learning Materials on Environment (PLANET) was selected as an effective tool of ESD because its objective of equipping community people with necessary knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour on environmental conservation for a sustainable society, was found to fit the core principles of ESD.

Becoming aware of and by consolidating knowledge on inter-related environmental issues such as water pollution (PLANET 1), forest conservation (PLANET 2), waste management (PLANET 3) and natural disaster preparedness (PLANET 4), the multi-media educational materials let learners reflect on their lifestyles from various angles, encouraging them to change their everyday practices, which suits the goals of DESD.

Furthermore, the pedagogy/andragogy that underlies PLANET materials is well-suited to educational approaches promoted by ESD. PLANET package is comprised of an animated cartoon video, a booklet, a poster and a facilitators' guide. Unlike the conventional style of teaching that mainly focuses on transmission of knowledge, PLANET components can be used to create a platform for discussion via different media of learning in a participatory manner. In addition, PLANET is activity-based. After a series of training opportunities and/or learning sessions using PLANET materials, most of teachers/facilitators encourage their students/learners to start activities such as compost-making to produce bio-fertiliser, segregation of waste and so forth. These activities, no mater how small, clearly indicate that knowledge acquired through PLANET was actually translated into practice at the community level. It is hoped that teaching and learning experiences gained through community-based activities using PLANET will be emulated by other relevant parties to help create a sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.