A series of courses on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which echoes the 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations in 2015, was recently published in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/unesco.org]

A series of courses on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which echoes the 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations in 2015, was recently published in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Developed by the Regional Centers of Expertise on ESD in Hangzhou (RCE Hangzhou), the courses include study trips, science experiments, lectures, art shows and group training. Their topics cover the fight against poverty, hunger and climate change and the pursuit of quality education, gender equality, clean water, and health facilities.

"ESD is a combination of academic learning and on-site training. We want to enhance students' basic understanding of ecological civilization and sustainable development," said Shi Gendong, director of RCE China.

Many of the courses, which are catered to students from primary and middle schools, colleges and vocational institutes, were designed by Hangzhou schools and companies.

For example, Nongfu Spring Group has developed a study trip that allows students to explore water sources and learn about the connections between human activities and the ecological environment.

"Students will be encouraged to participate and make discoveries on their own. For example, they can carry out experiments on the properties of different types of water and let their imaginations run wild on the package design of water products," said a manager of the group.