The environment is a precious gift and belongs to all.
Bio-education is our best resource to reverse and prevent further damage.

With the advent of globalisation, a major change in economic, social and educational priorities is shaping world views and ways of life and is creating new challenges for humanity. To meet these challenges, education for the new millennium requires a radical shift away from intra-disciplinary entrenchment and into creative and thoughtful action for the development of the highest potential of each individual for the benefit of the world and future generations.

The purpose and responsibility of bio-education, as promoted by B.I.O. since 1985, is to uplift the spirit of humanity and to reverse the crisis in values that has resulted in serious environmental deterioration. By providing interdisciplinary models with the environment at the core of every speciality, bio-education seeks to apply environmental protection to every human endeavour.

• The essence of Βio-education

  With the advent of globalisation, a major change in economic, social and educational priorities is shaping world views and ways of life and is creating new challenges for humanity. To meet these challenges, education for the new millennium requires a radical shift away from intra-disciplinary entrenchment and into creative and thoughtful action for the development of the highest potential of each individual for the benefit of the world and future generations.

  The purpose and responsibility of bio-education, as promoted by B.I.O. since 1985, is to uplift the spirit of humanity and to reverse the crisis in values that has resulted in serious environmental deterioration. By providing interdisciplinary models with the environment at the core of every speciality, bio-education seeks to apply environmental protection to every human endeavour.

  The understanding of changing environmental circumstances and of the fluidity of the concept of environmental protection requires the development of a critical appreciation of the numerous influences affecting the interactions between humanity and the environment. Environmental pollution is an international problem and a matter of vital importance for all. Concern over environmental questions is an international task, particularly for highly developed, industrialised countries. We must acknowledge our individual and social responsibilities and the fact that environmental protection involves confronting conflicting interests. There is a need to balance environmental and economic priorities in order to achieve safe and just global management. Bio-education consolidates awareness of the importance of incorporating the environment in every human endeavour and enables the realisation of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental protection.

  Stressing the international character of environmental problems and the multidisciplinary nature of the environment is a priority in bio-education. The environment is an integrating concept referring to the sensitivity, experience and culture of each member of society. Environmental quality and quality of life are inextricably linked. Human rights violations, disease, hunger, lack of safe water resources and poverty are more common in areas of severe environmental abuse. Health problems linked to the environment, food subsistence and access to culture and general welfare, including security and peace, are some of the challenges to be faced.

  Bio-education should be disseminated as widely as possible with the assistance of educational institutions, businesses, municipal authorities, governments, NGOs and other stakeholders. By promoting joint action in all sectors of society and the economy, a broad consensus about the development of an environmentally-responsible citizenry can be built.

  The need for good quality training for teachers involved in bio-education cannot be over-stressed. Current inefficiencies in teacher training could pose serious problems in the future. Teacher training projects helping the introduction of environmental curricula into classrooms should be encouraged, while networking should be promoted on a world-wide level.

  Teachers must also be encouraged and trained to use methods in which students become agents of their own learning by being truly involved in the learning process. The learning process has to be flexible and interactive so that students become independent and develop their own sense of initiative, responsibility and commitment.

  Bio-education is an interdisciplinary subject of relevance to many fields of teaching. Given the complexity and the various levels of relationships with society as a whole, a wide range of subjects can contribute to bio-education. Educational institutions should therefore be encouraged to devise their own bio-education profiles, based on their strengths and the overall focus of their activities. The non-exclusive approach of bio-education is an opportunity to lift the barriers separating different disciplines and to offer a well-rounded education which is not hampered by overspecialisation.

  New programs and curricula should be designed with this in mind, with the necessary adjustments in timetables and agendas. The promotion of bio-education in business, public administration and government should also be emphasized. Programs for vocational training and seminars for decision-makers are absolutely necessary if environmental awareness is ever intended to produce action.

• The International University for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.)

  The I.U.B.E. focuses on the dissemination of environmental education to universities and training centres internationally, and to all the disciplines taught within them, rather than offering traditional diplomas or awards. It is designed as an open and distance learning initiative, whereby leading experts, scholars and educators from 151 countries actively engage in the promotion of environmental thinking. Fighting the trend towards over-specialisation, the I.U.B.E. seeks to open up all areas of study and training to an appreciation of life on our planet. The aim is for the I.U.B.E. to become a think-tank for the development of multidisciplinary environmental concepts, beyond the confines of conventional environmental science, leading to a revised educational system with a view to the future.

  The I.U.B.E. promotes:

  • New education and policy for climate change mitigation
  • Environmental values and bioethics in every academic discipline
  • A new concept of “profit,” where the environment, culture, education and quality of life are considered a priority
  • A truly civil society, where people and organizations everywhere are inspired to respond to the urgency of protecting the environment and bios on our planet

  The I.U.B.E.’s pioneering Bio-Syllabus is already part of the curriculum of numerous university courses in an expanding list of countries. It provides themed references to the highly regarded and wide ranging resource of published B.I.O. material, freely available to, in print and electronically – on the Internet and on CD-Rom.

  Launched by the Biopolitics International Organisation (B.I.O.) in 1990 [see founding statement], the International University for the Bio-Environment (I.U.B.E.) actions the B.I.O. belief that education is the key to enlightening students and teachers in all academic areas to become environmentally conscious and responsible world citizens. It is a truly “universal” initiative, encompassing all educational levels, set up with an ambitious but happening agenda to act as a catalyst, seeking to infuse educational institutions and their graduates with biocentric values and to encourage a deeper, internalised environmental awareness. The I.U.B.E. is seen as the means by which B.I.O. can vaccinate every human endeavour with a love of bios and impart this message to students, training professionals and decision-makers around the world.

  Click here for volume of proceedings from the I.U.B.E.’s founding conference.

• I.U.B.E. Activities and Projects

  2013

  • Extensive e-learning program in biopolicy and sustainable development for international students from 138 countries.
    
  • Extensive e-learning program in biopolicy and sustainable development for Greek students.
  • Extensive e-learning program in biotourism offered in English, Greek and Albanian.
    

  2012

  • Extensive e-learning program in biopolicy and sustainable development for international students from 122 countries.
    
  • Extensive e-learning program in biopolicy and sustainable development for Greek students.
    

  2011

  • Extensive e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development for international students from 119 countries. Courses on: Green Salary and Food, Agriculture and the Environment; Biopolis – Sustainable Urban Development, Sustainable Forest Protection and Green Salaries – Best practices in Environmental Protection, with more than 1000 subscriptions from students
  • Extensive e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development for Greek students. Biopolicy – Tourism – Development, Green Salary and Climate Change; Sustainable Agriculture, Biopolis – Sustainable Urban Development and Forest Protection, with more than 4000 registered participants
    

  2010

  • Extensive e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development in cooperation with the Hellenic General Secretariat for Youth. Courses on: Climate Change, Green Salary, Biopolis – Sustainable Urban Management, Protection of the Forests. Cooperation with Turkey through a series of e-learning modules on biopolicy and sustainable development.
  • Extensive e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development for international students from 119 countries
  • Publications: Sustainable Development and Promotion of Youth Participation for Building a Green Society. Topics: Climate Change, Green Salary, Biopolis – Sustainable Urban Management, Protection of the Forests

  2009

  • Extensive education e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development in cooperation with the Hellenic General Secretariat for Youth. Courses on: Climate Change, Green Salary, Sustainable Urban Management, Protection of the Forests
  • Cooperation with Montenegro through a series of educational e-learning modules on biopolicy and sustainable development
  • Cooperation with Turkey through a series of education e-learning modules on biopolicy and sustainable development.
  • Publications: “Montenegro – Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, Education and Transfer of Knowhow for the Millenium Development Goals” (in English).

  2008

  • Extensive educational e-learning programs on biopolicy and sustainable development with 1600 registered students from 78 countries (I.U.B.E.) http://elearning.biopolitics.gr
  • Distinguished personalities, scientists, politicians and other governmental authorities from Nepal take part in the I.U.B.E.’s e-learning courses in cooperation with Dr. Nanda Singh.
  • Participation in the Leonardo da Vinci Farm Forward educational program on “Transferring Knowledge and Skills for Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture to Agricultural Workers in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Cyprus through Innovative e-Learning Content.”
  • Extensive educational e-learning programs in biopolicy and sustainable development in cooperation with the Hellenic General Secretariat for Youth.
  • Cooperation with Montenegro through a series of educational e-learning modules on biopolicy and sustainable development.
  • Working for the Environment – Working for the Future” seminar and workshop held in cooperation with the Municipality of New Psychico, Athens
  • Working for the Environment, Working for the Future”, event in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and the General Secretariat of Youth, Ioannina
  • Presentation at the kick-off meeting of the Leonardo da Vinci project on “Transferring Knowledge and Skills for Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture to Agricultural Workers in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Cyprus through Innovative e-Learning Content,” Nicosia, Cyprus
  • Participation as Founding Member in the launching of the “Learning without Borders” initiative in Cairo, Egypt
  • Co-Chairing of the session on “Education for Competitiveness and Competitive Education” at the conference on “Europe after Lisbon: Intertwining Sustainability and Competitiveness,” hosted by the Club of Rome and the South-eastern Europe Division of the World Academy of Art and Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Publications: “Working for the Environment, Working for the Future” in collaboration with the Neo Psychico Municipality – Webite
    “Working for the Environment, Working for the Future” in collaboration with the Drama Municipality – Website
    “Working for the Environment, Working for the Future” in Ioannina, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour – Website
    “Sustainable Development and Youth – E-learning – Green Employment – Green Salaries” in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Youth – Website
  • CD compilation of a pilot study and e-learning educational material on biopolicy: a) People with a Disability in Modern Society, b) Common Agricultural Policy, c) Green Salary, d) Food and Agriculture, e) Mythos and the Environment, f) Health and the Environment.
  • Six Greek pilot study books, financed by the General Secretariat of Youth, on:
    – People with a Disability in Modern Society
    – Common Agricultural Policy
    – Green Salary
    – Food and Agriculture
    – Mythos and the Environment
    – Health and the Environment

  2007

  • Course on biopolitics and bioethics taught by the B.I.O. President at the Department of International and European Studies, Panteion University, Athens
  • “Environmental Education for Sustainable Development and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka,” educational project in cooperation with the Center for Environment Education Sri Lanka and supported by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Hellenic Aid
  • Participation in the Leonardo da Vinci educational program on “Promoting Urban Sustainable Development in Local Authorities,” coordinated by Intercollege Cyprus
  • Biopolitics courses at the Open University of Athens
  • Publication: Agni Vlavianos-Arvanitis, “Bio-education: a needed vision for building the future,” Proceedigns of the conference of the 9th International Conference of the Balkan Political Club
  • Publication: “Environmental Education for Sustainable Development and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka” (in English and Sinhala)
  • Publication: Environmental Education for Sustainable Development and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka” (CD-Rom)

  2006

  • President appointed Visiting Professor of Bioethics at the Department of International and European Studies, Panteion University, Athens
  • Implementation of 14 tutor-supported, e-learning courses in agriculture, architecture, diplomacy, economics, energy, ethics, health, history, legislation, technology, tourism, waste management, the EU’s common agricultural policy, and people with a disability in modern society; with participants from 67 countries
  • Course on biopolitics and bioethics taught by the B.I.O. President at the Department of International and European Studies, Panteion University, Athens
  • Participation in “Youth Farm” Leonardo da Vinci educational programme for young farmers, coordinated by Intercollege Cyprus
  • Participation in the Leonardo da Vinci educational programme on “Promoting Urban Sustainable Development in Local Authorities,” coordinated by Intercollege Cyprus
  • Participation, as Member of the International Board, in the Forum launch of the European Generation Foundation, Bucharest

  2005

  • Participation as academic liaison in the World Bank’s European Academic Action Network for Development
  • Cooperation with the Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, USA, in the conference on “Imagining a sustainable future – the rebirthing of a blue village” hosted by AWISH Kefalonia, Greece
  • B.I.O. establishes cooperation with the Borneo Tropical Rainforest Foundation and submits joint proposal for the implementation of e-learning courses in environmental education to the Government of Malaysia
  • Keynote speech, with Jacques Delors and Academician Carl-Goran Heden, at the conference on “The future of knowledge – evolutionary challenges of the 21st century,” sponsored by the World Academy of Art and Science, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Participation in “Youth Farm” Leonardo da Vinci educational programme for young farmers, coordinated by Intercollege Cyprus and participation in the EU Leonardo da Vinci Youth Farm project’s training meeting, Nicosia, Cyprus

  2004

  • Co-operation in the development and teaching of biopolicy courses with the Eastern University of Science and Technology, Shandong, China
  • Working group for bio-education within the framework of the European Union programme on “Prospects for Technology and Investigation”
  • Participation in “Youth Farm” Leonardo da Vinci educational programme for young farmers, coordinated by Intercollege Cyprus
  • The I.U.B.E. participates as core partner in the EU Leonardo da Vinci “Bios & Environment Transnational Network” program. Development of extensive educational material and networking in bio-education
  • Keynote address at the conference on “Mass-Individualisation of higher education for the knowledge-based society,” The Netherlands
  • “Family Concept in Modern City Life” a youth workshop in cooperation with Fatih University Istanbul
  • Participation as academic liaison in the World Bank’s European Academic Action Network for Development
  • Keynote address, steering committee meeting of the “Bios & Environment Transnational Network” Leonardo da Vinci programme in Palermo, Italy
  • Bios Schools organised throughout the year in St. Petersburg, Russia

  2003

  • Participation as academic liaison in the World Bank’s European Academic Action Network for Development
  • B.I.O. participates as core partner in the EU Leonardo da Vinci “Bios & Environment Transnational Network” programme. Development of extensive educational material and networking in bio-education
  • Working group for bio-education within the framework of the European Union programme on “Prospects for Technology and Investigation”
  • Bios Schools organised throughout the year in St. Petersburg
  • Invitation for co-operation in the formulation of biopolitics curricula by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Rosario in Argentina and the IberoAmericana University in Colombia
  • Co-operation in the development and teaching of biopolicy courses with the Eastern University of Science and Technology, Shandong, China
  • The B.I.O. President is appointed Director General of the Greek Branch of the ECOSAN International Ecology and Health Fund in Uzbekistan
  • Participation in the meeting of the World Bank’s European Academic Action Network for Development, Paris

  2002

  • The I.U.B.E. participates as core partner in the EU Leonardo da Vinci “Bios & Environment Transnational Network” program. Development of extensive educational material and networking in bio-education
  • B.I.O.’s educational material translated in Romanian, Slovak, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, within the framework of the EU Leonardo da Vinci “Bio-Environment and New Millennium” program
  • “Protecting the Bio-Environment: A priority in Bioethics” and “Bio-Environment-Bio-Culture: Mobilising Technology and the Arts in Environmental Protection” Biopolitics lectures at the summer course organised at the Universidad del Pais Vasco, San Sebastian, Spain
  • Working group for bio-education within the framework of the European Union program on “Prospects for Technology and Investigation”

  2001

  • “Bio-Environment and New Millennium” environmental education workshop in the framework of the European Union Leonardo da Vinci Programme
  • Keynote presentation at Panteion University, Athens

  2000

  • “Environmental Legislation, Energy and Environment, Industry and Environment” Open education manuals prepared within the framework of the European Union Leonardo da Vinci “Bio-Environment and New Millennium” project
  • B.I.O. participates as a partner in the Leonardo da Vinci European Union Project “Bio-environment and New Millennium”
  • Keynote lecture at the international conference on “Chemical Education and Sustainable Development,” Mendeleyev University, Moscow

  1999

  • Lecture at Rosario University, Bogota, by official invitation from the Dean, Professor Eduardo Barajas

  1998

  • I.U.B.E. training seminars for teachers and public administrators held during the Biopolitics conference at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest. September 17-20.
  • Lecture, Open University, N. Ionia, Athens
  • The I.U.B.E. at the American Community Schools Academy career day, Athens

  1997

  • “Biopolitics – an interdisciplinary approach,” I.U.B.E. conference at Ankara University, Turkey

  1996

  • Round Table discussion on Biopolitics with the participation of Rectors from eight Czech and Slovak universities
  • Lecture, Lomonosov Moscow State University
  • Lecture, Italian School of Athens
  • Lecture, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey
  • Lecture, Marmara University, Turkey

  1995

  • Seventh International B.I.O. Conference. “Biopolitics Education in the Year 2000,” Adana, Turkey
  • Official offer of the Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University for the university to participate in the I.U.B.E.’s Exchange of Scholars Program
  • B.I.O. and the I.U.B.E. join the MED-CAMPUS Project
  • Official Launching of the International University for the Bio-Environment Visiting Scholars Program at the I.U.B.E. Rodini Centre in Rhodes

  1994

  • Bio-Education seminars for primary education teachers, students and administrators of the West Attica Prefecture, Greece

  1993

  • Speech during the plenary session, Conference on Environmental Education 2000 organised by the Alliance for Environmental Education, Virginia, USA
  • Lecture at the US Trust Distinguished Scholars Lecture Series, Centre for International Affairs, Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
  • B.I.O. is the international representative at the Meeting of Regional Representatives of the Alliance for Environmental Education, Arizona, USA, Proposal submitted by the Alliance for Environmental Education, USA, for an international expansion in 56 countries through the B.I.O. headquarters in Athens, Official agreement to promote Biopolitics ­ – The Bio­-Environment ­ – Bio­-Syllabus in the Alliance for Environmental Education network of universities in the USA
  • Proposal for the development of a curriculum on Bio­-Mathematics by the President of MathPower Education Consulting Organization, USA

  1992

  • Bio-Education was discussed extensively at the Fifth B.I.O. International Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, in the presence of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, the Turkish Minister of Interior, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Environment, Governor of Istanbul, Mayor of Istanbul, Head of the Information Department of the President of Russia, President of Ankara University
  • Memorandum of Understanding for the development of exchange activities with the Alliance for Environmental Education, USA
  • Official proposal for exchange of scholars and co-operation with I.U.B.E./B.I.O. by the President of Gdansk University
  • Proposal to introduce Biopolitics in secondary school curricula submitted in Florida, USA
  • Introduction of Biopolitics ­ – The Bio-Environment – Volume III as a textbook for an environmental course at Oklahoma State University, USA
  • Biopolitics – ­ The Bio­-Environment – Volume III, introduced to the Faculty of Philosophy, Lomonosov University, Moscow
  • Biopolitics Seminars in Russia. Lectures at Moscow State and Mendeleyev University

  1991

  • The I.U.B.E. joins the Board of the Alliance for Environmental Education, USA
  • Presentation on the I.U.B.E. at the Alliance for Environmental Education Conference, USA
  • Six­-month project for a Bio­-Curriculum for education and business, with the participation of visiting research scientists from the Moscow State University Faculty of Biology
  • Fourth B.I.O. International Conference. “International University for the Bio­-Environment”
  • Parnassos Literary Society, panel discussion on The International University for the Bio­-Environment ­ the Role of Youth
  • The International University for the Bio­-Environment ­ the Role of Youth. Presentation and panel discussion at the Goulandris ­ Horn Foundation, Athens
  • The I.U.B.E. and the Role of Private Universities. Lecture at the Soroptimist Society of Greece Symposium, organised by the Union of Journalists
  • Biopolitics lecture at the University of Namur Department of Philosophy
  • Leading representatives from 52 nations pledge their support to the I.U.B.E.
  • Proposals from Polish Universities for the inclusion of Biopolitics in their curricula
  • Proposals from the Universities of Moscow, Leningrand and Kiev for an exchange of students program and the establishment of a biocentric curriculum and special courses
  • Biopolitics Presentation at the National University of the Philippines
  • The I.U.B.E. is introduced to the Council of Europe (Luxembourg)
  • B.I.O. – Moscow State University Students and Scholars Exchange Program

  1990

  • Launching of the B.I.O. International University for the Bio­-Environment (I.U.B.E.)
  • Biopolitics Seminar, Columbia University, USA
  • Biopolitics ­ Launching the International University for the Bio­-Environment. Lecture at the Greek Archdiocese of New York City, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Iakovos
  • Ankara University adds Biopolitics to the Graduate School of Political Sciences curriculum

  1989

  • Bios Curriculum lecture, St. Joseph Alumnae, Cultural Centre of the City of Athens
  • Third B.I.O. International Conference. “Biopolitics – Curriculum Reforms,” Athens
  • Bios Theory lecture at MIT, Hellenic Scientists Association of Boston, USA
  • Lecture on Biopolitics ­ Needed Curriculum Reforms, Lycee Leonin, Athens
  • Lecture on Biopolitics ­ – The Bio­-Environment, University of Trabzon, Turkey
  • Biopolitics lecture, Istanbul Technical University, Turkey
  • University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, requests joint graduate school program with B.I.O.
  • Links established between B.I.O. and Israeli universities, following official visit to Israel
  • Bio­Arts are introduced in university curricula in the Philippines

  1988

  • Bio-Education was discussed extensively at the Second B.I.O. International Conference. “Bios in the Next Millennium,” Athens. Preparatory work for the establishment of an International University for the Bio-Environment.
    
  • Lecture on Biopolitics at the University of Peace, Brussels, Belgium
  • Biopolitics seminar held at Oxford University, UK
  • Biopolitics is incorporated in academic curricula in Europe and the USA
  • Universities in Poland introduce Biopolitics and B.I.O. concepts in their curricula
  • Development of B.I.O. curricula in the Philippines
  • Oxford University proposes the establishment of a Biopolitics Concentration Major
  • Cambridge University proposes B.I.O. participation in Barito Ulu project

  1987

  • Bio-Education was extensively discussed at the First B.I.O. International Conference. “Biopolitics and International Co-operation,” with the participation of leading representatives from 30 nations. Resolutions promoting B.I.O. ideals world-wide were unanimously accepted by all participants, who also pledged to become founding members of B.I.O.

• Free e-learning program

  This e-learning programme places a wealth of educational material and resources online with its broad range of courses promoting pioneering dimensions in bio-education. The hope is to infuse new thinking in environmental education and to enrich the concepts of sustainable development for more information, please visit the e-learning section on this website.
  What people have said about the I.U.B.E.’s e-learning program – Comments from participants

• Youth Bios Olympiads and Bios Schools

  Bios belongs to the future and, every year, children and young adults from all over Russia and other European countries participate with great enthusiasm in the B.I.O. Youth Bios Olympiads. This initiative is being organized since 1996 by Prof. Agni Vlavianos Arvanitis, B.I.O. President and Founder, in collaboration with academic, city and regional authorities in St. Petersburg, Russia. It owes its great success to the unwavering efforts of Prof. Alexander Shishkin, Head of the Ecological Standardisation Laboratory at the St. Petersburg State Technological University for Plant Polymers.
  Read more…

What people have said about B.I.O.’s  educational activities