China's Ministry of Education on Sunday issued a guide to introducing environmental education at primary and middle schools, making environmental education an indispensable part of the country's education for young people.

According to the guide, primary and middle schools should not only offer students knowledge on nature and ecology, but also foster students' skills, attitudes and values conducive to sustainable development.

The Guide to Environmental Education in Primary and Middle Schools includes suggestions on activities for different age groups and encourages teaching involving different subjects and discussion in environmental education.

It also encourages field investigation of environmental problems.

China began to include knowledge of environmental protection into textbooks for primary and middle school students about two decades ago as fast economic development affected the environment.

But environmental experts say more efforts are needed to improve the awareness of the country's environmental protection and sustainable development, particularly among young people.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2003)