For students studying in eco-schools in Adana analysis of environment-friendly educational activities

This study aims to determine the role of teachers in fostering students' environmental awareness, understanding of the tourism–environment nexus, and development of sustainable lifestyle habits through the environmentally friendly educational activities implemented in Green Flag Eco Schools in Adana, Türkiye. In addition, it seeks to reveal the levels of environmental knowledge, consciousness, and sensitivity among the teachers working in these schools. The research thus demonstrates that the Eco School model not only enhances students' environmental knowledge but also helps them comprehend the tourism–environment nexus at an early age, thereby fostering sustainable lifestyle habits. Data were collected through semi structured, face to face interviews with 15 teachers, 4 school administrators, and 1 Eco School coordinators. Using MAXQDA 2022, the transcripts were subjected to qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal that interactive methods such as videos, project based learning, nature excursions, and recycling projects significantly increase students' environmental knowledge, while regular participation in lessons addressing tourism–environment relations elevates their sustainable tourism perceptions. The principal obstacles identified by teachers were the "low level of environmental awareness at home" and the "insufficiency of lesson hours." Accordingly, they recommended strengthening cooperation among families, schools, and the local community. Overall, integrating a tourism perspective into environmental education within Eco Schools effectively enhances both students' pro environmental attitudes and their awareness of sustainable tourism. The study recommends expanding experiential and technology supported teaching materials in teacher professional development programmes, implementing joint school–family–community projects, and increasing local government funding for tourism oriented environmental education in Eco Schools. The results are expected to inform sustainable environmental education policies and support the wider dissemination of the Eco School model.