“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”― Pope Francis, Laudato Si’

As a response to the Catholic Church’s long-standing regard for the care of God’s creation, Don Bosco School of Theology offers the Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LS-CET) program.

With Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ as its guide, the program aims to promote the message of the encyclical to generate awareness and reflection and to train its participants in launching personal and community initiatives for the care of the Common Home.

The program examines the current ecological dilemma from the perspectives of Biblical and Moral Theology as well as science based studies in the environment. More importantly, the program offers practical hands-on training on how to use the technologies currently developed to regenerate Mother Earth.

Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer

(LS-CET)

The Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LS-CET) program aims to provide a holistic waste management education that integrates theology, ecology, and technology. In addition to these components, the school will incorporate community development into its curriculum. The community component will emphasize the importance of community involvement in waste management and the creation of sustainable regenerative systems.

The Theology Component will incorporate the teachings of the Catholic Church on environmental stewardship and the importance of caring for creation. Students will appreciate the moral foundations of integral ecology based in Scriptures and in other writings sacred to different religious traditions. The belief that the environment is a gift will provide the students with a deeper reason for their responsibility so that “what they received as a garden, cannot be left as a desert to the next generation.”

The Ecology Component will teach students about the interdependence of all living things and how human activity impacts the environment. In addition, the program will address the importance of scientific data in the proper evaluation of the ecological crisis. This will emphasize the need to work with the community to develop  sustainable waste management system. They will learn about the concept of “zero waste” and benefits of composting, recycling, waste reduction and residuals management, that involve the participation of every stakeholder.

The Technology Component will be a hands-on experience in using local innovations to create sustainable waste management systems for their households. Students will also learn the different technology- enabled food production, marine biodiversity, and sources of renewable energy applicable to their local contexts.

Curriculum

The Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LS-CET) program is an 80-hour program with 20 hours for the Theological and another 20 hours for the Ecological component and 40 hours for the Technological component.

The training course will run for ten (10) Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The program schedule is below:

In order to be certified, a student must pass the written assessments for the Theology and Ecology components as well as successfully perform the practical test of each expert for the Technology component.

Course Description

THEOLOGY

The Word and the world

The Word and the world is designed to examine the biblical attitudes and beliefs regarding ecology. It explores the theological foundations of environmental stewardship as found in the Old and New Testaments, and how these attitudes and beliefs can inform contemporary practices in the field of ecology.

Through the analysis of relevant biblical passages, students will examine topics such as the creation narrative, human responsibility for the environment, and the biblical view of the natural world.

The course will also engage with contemporary ecological challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, and examine how biblical teachings can offer insights and guidance for addressing these challenges.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think critically and reflectively about their own attitudes and beliefs regarding ecology, and to consider how these may be influenced by their faith traditions and the call of God to action.

Cosmogenesis and the Holy Spirit

Cosmogenesis and the Holy Spirit explores the intersection between cosmology and theology by examining the concept of cosmogenesis and its relationship with the Holy Spirit. Cosmogenesis is the study of the origins and development of the universe, while the Holy Spirit is the central concept in Christian theology manifesting the active presence of God in the world. By examining these two fields, students will gain a deeper understanding of the inter-connectedness between science and faith.

Throughout the course, students will explore various cosmological theories and models, including the Big Bang theory, cosmic inflation, and the multiverse hypothesis. They will also examine how these theories intersect with religious beliefs about creation and the role of the Holy Spirit in sustaining the universe.

The course will examine how different theologians and religious traditions have engaged with cosmological concepts and how they have incorporated them into their understanding of the Holy Spirit. Students will also consider how scientific discoveries and theories have impacted theological concepts and how they can inform contemporary debates on issues on climate change and environmental stewardship.

From Homogenesis to Christogenesis

 From Homogenesis to Christogenesis explores the intersections of ecology, anthropology, and Christology, with an emphasis on understanding the ways in which humans interact with their environment and the theological implications of these interactions. The course will examine the political, cultural, economic, and scientific facets of ecology from the perspectives of anthropology and Christology.

From an anthropological perspective, the course will explore the diversity of human cultures and their relationships to the natural world. It will examine how different cultural practices and beliefs shape human interactions with the environment, including subsistence practices, land-use patterns, and religious beliefs about nature. The course will also examine how environ-mental change and degradation affect different communities, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations.

From a Christological perspective, the course will examine the theological implications of human interactions with the environment, particularly in light of the Christian tradition’s emphasis on stewardship and care for creation. It will explore how theological concepts such as creation, incarnation, and eschatology can inform and shape Christian responses to ecological challenges.

Ethics of Ecology

Ethics of Ecology examines the relationship between morality and ecology. The course

explores the ethical dimensions of environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution,

and biodiversity loss, and evaluates how Christian moral theology can provide a framework

for responding to these issues.

It begins by exploring the foundational concepts of Catholic moral theology that govern the

relationship between God and the individual human being, the relationship of human beings

with one another (social justice) and the often forgotten but equally important issue of man’s

relationship with the natural, created world. Based on the principles of dialogue with

contemporary history and the human and applied sciences, it will also explore the political,

cultural, social and economic dimensions and underpinnings of environmental issues,

including environmental justice, sustainability, and the rights of future generations. The

course is ultimately designed to help both facilitator and learner to respond and commit

oneself to an ethically sound, timely, personal, and collective stance of ecological conversion.

Living Laudato Si’

Living Laudato Si’ examines the ecological teachings of the Catholic Church, with a particular focus on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) documents and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on protecting the common home.

The course begins by examining the theological and philosophical foundations of the Catholic Church’s ecological teachings. It will then explore the historical development of Catholic social teaching on the environment, including key encyclicals, documents, and statements from various Popes and Bishops’ Conferences. The course will examine the themes and principles underlying these teachings, such as the dignity of the human person, integral ecology, and the common good.

It will, then, focus on Laudato Si’, the magisterium of Pope Francis on integral ecology. The course will explore the encyclical’s main themes, such as the urgency of the ecological crisis, the call to ecological conversion, and the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue between theology and sciences.

Lastly, it will present the FABC and CBCP documents relevant to protecting the common home. The context, themes, and principles underlying these documents, as well as their implications for Catholic theologizing and pastoral practice in Asia will be examined.

ECOLOGY

Climate Change

Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and it is caused by a complex interplay of natural and human factors. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of climate science, including the greenhouse effect, radiative forcing, and feedback mechanisms.

The course will also explore the different types of evidence that show how the planet is changing, such as rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and more frequent extreme weather events.

It will also examine the various responses to climate change, from individual actions to national policies and international agreements. By the end of this course, the student will have a solid foundation of knowledge on climate change and be able to engage in informed discussions about this critical issue.

Recycling and Materials Sustainability

Recycling and Materials Sustainability course explores the principles and practices of sustainable materials management, with a focus on recycling. It provides an overview of the current state of materials management and the environmental impacts of materials production and consumption. It covers the life cycle of materials, from extraction and processing to disposal, re-use or recycling.

The course examines the social, economic, and environmental benefits of recycling and other sustainable materials management practices. It also discusses the challenges and barriers to implementing effective recycling programs and strategies to overcome them. The course explores the role of policy, regulation, and technology in promoting sustainable materials management.

Marine Biodiversity

Marine Biodiversity course provides an in-depth exploration of the ecology and conservation of marine life. The course covers the physical and biological characteristics of the marine environment, including the different ecosystems found in oceans and the biodiversity of the organisms living in these ecosystems. Students will also learn about the threats facing marine biodiversity and explore conservation strategies to protect and restore these ecosystems.

The course will also take up the threats facing marine biodiversity, such as overfishing, habitat destruction, ocean pollution, and the heat wave brought about by climate change. Students will learn about the ecological impacts of these threats on marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Environment and the Law

Environment and the Law course focuses on the legal framework and regulatory structures designed to protect the environment. The course examines the principles and concepts of environmental law, including the sources of environmental law, the role of agencies and courts in enforcing environmental regulations, and the relationship between environmental law and other areas of law.

It covers the wide range of laws and regulations related to air and water quality, hazardous waste management, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. It examines the legal tools and strategies used to protect the environment, including environmental impact assessments, permitting, and enforcement actions.

Lastly, it will explore the role of international environmental law and the challenges of implementing international environmental agreements. The relationship between environ-mental law and other areas of law, such as property law, land use law, and energy law will be discussed.

Social Development and Ecology

Community Development and Ecology course explores the complex relationships between human communities and their natural environments. The course focuses on the ways in which ecological systems, including biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural resource management, impact human communities, as well as the ways in which communities can contribute to ecological conservation and regeneration.

Throughout the course, students will explore various theories and concepts related to community and ecology, like ecosystem services, ecological resilience, and community-based conservation. At the end of the course, they would be able to critically evaluate and design strategies for building more sustainable and resilient communities in the face of environmental change.

TECHNOLOGY

BioChar Application

The Biochar Application workshop is a hands-on program that explores the properties and potential applications of BioChar, a type of charcoal produced from organic waste materials. The workshop is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the environmental and agricultural benefits of BioChar, as well as the practical skills for producing and applying BioChar in various settings.

By the end of the workshop, participants would have a strong understanding of the properties and potential applications of BioChar, as well as the practical skills for BioChar production and transfer these technology-skills to various settings. They would be able to critically evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of using BioChar, and the nknow-how in optimizing its use to promote environmental and agricultural sustainability.

Materials Segregation, Recovery and Composting

Materials Recovery, Classification and Composting workshop is a comprehensive program that will tackle the negative results of previous approaches and analyse their basic flaws.

Then the discussion will shift to creative innovations lifted from the true spirit of ecological

solid waste management (RA 9003). After learning the basic principles of materials

classification, a detailed discussion will focus on composting using community-level methods.

Additionally, participants will have hands-on learning about composting and how to manage a healthy composting nursery and solution to common composting problems.

The workshop will include basic knowledge in setting up a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF),

various collection systems and how to involve the community in the ecological waste

management program. Community participation in waste avoidance, reduction,

repair/refurbish, recycling and organic gardening efforts will be taken up. The goal will be to

establish a “zero-waste” community..

Marine and Coastal Conservation

The Marine and Coastal Conservation workshop is designed to impart practical skills and tools for effective conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, with an emphasis on sustainable management practices and community-based conservation. The workshop is aligned with the value of sustainability, which entails comprehending the interconnectedness of human and environmental systems and preserving resources for future generations.

This intensive and interactive workshop aims to make a positive impact on the environment by promoting sustainable and resilient practices while exploring environmentally and socially responsible solutions. Through the course, participants will be introduced to various topics, including the importance of marine and coastal ecosystems, threats they face, and the need for conservation efforts. They will also learn about biodiversity assessment methods, sustainable management practices, and community engagement approaches.

To provide participants with practical experience, a coastal cleanup will be organized, enabling them to apply the techniques and tools learned in the workshop to real-world scenarios. Overall, the workshop seeks to foster a deeper understanding of marine and coastal conservation and inspire positive action towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

Hydroponics and Vertical Farming

The Hydroponics and Vertical Farming workshop is designed to teach participants about the basics of hydroponics and how to set up and maintain their own hydroponic vertical garden. The workshop covers different topics such as the introduction to hydroponics, types of hydroponic systems, choosing the right plants for hydroponics, setting up a hydroponic garden, maintaining a hydroponic garden, and troubleshooting common problems.

During the workshop, participants will learn about the benefits of hydroponics and the different types of hydroponic systems available. They will also learn how to choose the right plants that thrive in a hydroponic environment. Additionally, participants will get hands-on experience in setting up and maintaining their hydroponic garden, including selecting the right location, containers, nutrient solutions, lighting and more. They will also learn about monitoring pH levels, changing water and nutrient solutions, pruning, and other maintenance tasks.

Solar Lighting the Margins

The Solar Lighting the Margins, also known as the Liter of Light workshop, is a hands-on learning experience that teaches participants how to build and install low-cost, eco-friendly solar lights in areas without access to electricity. The workshop is designed to empower individuals and communities to take control of their own energy needs, while also providing a sustainable solution to energy poverty.

During the workshop, participants will learn about the principles of solar energy, how to select the right components, and how to assemble and install the solar lights. They will also learn about the social and environmental impacts of energy poverty, and how the Liter of Light initiative is working to provide sustainable solutions to this global issue.

The Liter of Light workshop is a great opportunity for individuals, community groups, and organizations to get involved in a meaningful, hands-on project that can make a real difference in people’s lives. By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to build and install solar lights in their own communities, and will be equipped to train others to do the same.

Profile of a Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer

A Laudato Si’ Certified Environmental Trainer (LS-CET) embodies the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainability from a faith-based perspective. He/she has completed a comprehensive training program that combines theological, ecological, and technological components, and would have gained practical experience in promoting environmental sustainability in various settings.

Specifically, the trainer exhibits the following:

1.      Theological Mastery – The LS-CET is able to incorporate the teachings of the Catholic Church on environmental stewardship and the importance of caring for creation in programs they will be creating in their setting. Trainers will have a strong moral foundation of integral ecology based on Scriptures and on Church teachings.

2.     Ecological Literacy – The LS-CET has a strong understanding of the interdependence of all living things and how human activity impacts the environment. They would be able to identify and analyze environmental challenges and propose solutions based on sound ecological principles.

3.     Technological Proficiency – The LS-CET has a working knowledge of various technologies related to environmental sustainability. The trainer is able to help students develop skills on different technology- enabled food production, marine biodiversity, and sources of renewable energy applicable to their local contexts.

4.    Community Development Skills – The LS-CET has the ability to engage with diverse communities, particularly marginalized groups, to understand their needs and perspectives on environmental issues. The trainer is able to support community members in developing their own skills and capacities related to environmental sustainability. This includes providing training, mentoring, or other forms of support.

5.     Communication Skills Efficiency – The LS-CET is able to communicate both in English and in the local language the theological, ecological and technical concepts on environment to a wide range of audiences. The trainer should be able to effectively convey the importance of environmental stewardship and motivate others to take action. Lastly, the trainer is able to communicate environmental sustainability program through infographics.