The environmental movement in India is based on traditions that date back several centuries. The movement blends concerns of development and environment, while reflecting a broad spectrum of perspectives, and in its innovativeness the vibrancy of India. Both government and non-government organizations (NGOs) have taken significant initiatives as active partners in this movement.

The importance of environment and its link to development and the quality of human life were first addressed on a global level at the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment in 1972. It was the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi who focussed attention of the Conference on this link, stating that "environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty".

Following the Stockholm Conference, India set up a separate Ministry of Environment and Forests. Recognizing the need for specialized institutions in various fields of environment and development the Ministry created Centres of Excellence in partnership with NGO’s and academic institutions. The Centre for Environment Education, established in 1984, was one of the first such institutions.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development entrusted with the overall responsibility of education at all levels, has seen environmental education as a key input into the educational system. The Ministry supports several initiatives, both through government institutions and NGOs.

Centre for Environment Education, over the past twenty years, has been working in the field of environmental education and communication in the country. CEE has developed innovative programmes, educational materials, undertaken demonstration projects and built capacities in the field of Environmental Education. Recognizing the complexity and vastness of the task, CEE has worked in partnership with a range of organizations at the national, regional and international level. The strategy has been to collaborate with others to build synergies, achieve a multiplier effect, enhance effectiveness and widen the range of programmes.