Charting future directions for outdoor education in the 21st century

The above quote by world renowned environmentalist David Suzuki might accurately and articulately summarise the key intent and driving force for this book. It is becoming increasingly clear that current patterns of consumption and lifestyle enjoyed by resource rich Western nations such as Aotearoa New Zealand are leading us into an uncertain future characterised by significant ecological, social, and economic issues. There is a call for change to more sustainable and equitable relationships with the places we inhabit, which stretches well beyond the bounds of education. As suggested by Suzuki, a considerable part of this change needs to occur in the minds of individuals and communities as they redefine their priorities and values. In many ways this redefining process has been at the heart of this book. As each author has insightfully articulated examples of new or alternative e:>.:pressions of outdoor learning for the 21st century they have contributed to a partial re-envisioning of outdoor education theory and practice as we know it. However it is important to remember that although the book has allowed these voices to be heard, there are many other voices that have not been included. The editors acknowledge that these people are in their own way, also framing the future of outdoor education in this country, and that what has been included in these pages is by no means the only developments in contemporary thinking. However, of particular concern is the lack of diversity in cultural perspectives within contemporary outdoor education literature, and the editors wish to acknowledge the difficulty encountered in trying to find contributors to this book from spaces outside of the dominant perspective.

The chapters in this book have provided a wide range of perspectives and examples of practice. They do not represent a recipe for 'doing outdoor education' or even for incorporating socio-ecological perspectives into outdoor education. What these chapters do provide is a diverse array of approaches which might be employed in outdoor learning experiences, bound together by a common vision. That vision recognises the imperative to shift towards more sustainable and place-sensitive approaches to outdoor education to in some way meet the large ecological and social challenges that now loom so significantly on our horizon.