Building ecological literacy in mining communities: A sustainable development perspective
Mahdi Pouresmaieli, Mohammad Ataei, Ali Nouri Qarahasanlou, Abbas Barabadi
Abstract
Ecological Literacy (EL) is understanding and applying ecological principles to environmental issues. It involves recognizing the interdependence of living organisms and ecosystems and the impacts of human actions on the environment. EL individuals possess knowledge of biodiversity, ecological processes, and sustainability, enabling them to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. This knowledge is essential for addressing ecological challenges and promoting sustainable development in all industries and communities. EL is a new concept in the mining industry introduced in this paper. Mining has a direct impact on ecology. This paper provides an overview of EL and its application in the mining industry, examining the potential benefits of EL for achieving sustainable and responsible mining. Results show that prioritizing EL Training (ELT) in the mining communities for countries with many mines has a higher priority than other industries. Also, in mining communities, ELT to workers, engineers engaged in mining, and government managers have a higher priority than other sectors in mining, respectively.