Development of Environmental Engineering Education in Developing Countries

Environmental engineering education should include appropriate curricula, courses and subject materials relevant to the needs of the society. Emphasis on environmental engineering should be laid at the undergraduate level, but to develop local capabilities both for the present and the future it is essential to develop post-graduate education and training for young engineers and a continuing education programme for senior engineers. Research work should be encouraged and financed so as to develop local expertise and know-how for solving environmental engineering problems. Students should be exposed to the concept of appropriate technologies, however simple these may appear. Many of the concepts developed in advanced countries in connection with environmental protection need modification before application. These may not be directly applicable to the conditions found in the region in which many of the developing countries are located. Necessary incentives, rewards, security of job and opportunities for professional development should be provided to attract engineers to the environmental engineering profession.