Abstract Environmental literacy has been defined in various ways: from acquisition of scientific knowledge to addressing environmental concerns through indigenous knowledge. Program planners and educators need to identify and employ strategies for inclusive program development where all stakeholders are given an equal opportunity to share their opinions as well as constraints. The barriers identified through such a process can then be negotiated in a more meaningful way by all involved. If participants can be encouraged to be actively involved not only in the planning processes but also in the implementation design of environmental programs, then this involvement could lead to better and longer lasting results for sustainable management of resources.