The term was coined by Frank Herbert in his novel Dune - Liet-Kynes’s father tells him 'You must cultivate ecological literacy among the people'.
Advocates champion eco-literacy as a new educational paradigm emerging around the poles of holism, systems thinking, sustainability, and complexity.
[4] It combines the sciences of systems and ecology in drawing together elements required to foster learning processes toward a deep appreciation of nature and our role in it.
Ecological literacy and systems thinking implies a recognition of the manner in which all phenomenon are part of networks that define the way that element functions.
He also emphasizes that ecoliteracy does not only require mastery of subject matter, but the creation of meaningful connections between head, hands, and heart as well.