DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET)-a nonprofit environmental education organization located in Namibia-aims to protect Namibia's natural environment by educating its citizens to practice a sustainable lifestyle. After successfully concluding a three-year European Union-funded action program, NaDEET enlisted a Capstone team to help clarify its direction through the development of a five-year strategic plan. The team researched Namibia, environmental education, and strategic planning best practices. The team worked closely with NaDEET's director and board to learn about NaDEET's operations, operating environment, and history. In Namibia, the team toured NaDEET's facilities; conducted staff interviews; and interviewed the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, UNESCO, NaDEET beneficiaries, and local NGOs. The team's research culminated in a set of recommendations focusing on management changes, organizational structure, and increased stakeholder engagement.