If we were to compare environmental literacy with musical literacy, it could look as follows:

I. BASIC OR FUNDAMENTAL LEVEL: HEARING THERE IS A RHYME, TUNE OR PATTERN

The awareness of:

• "Holism" (Nature functions in "wholes"; in whole situations, or in patterns; we cannot meaningfully isolate parts; just like the study of oxygen or hydrogen in isolation will tell us nothing about water)
• Our role in the one ECO-SYSTEM (which consists of many environments)
• Four fundamental processes which determine all biological activity
• The true meaning of the word "BIODIVERSITY"
• Where to look for answers

II. GENERAL LEVEL: THE ABILITY TO READ NOTES AND TO PLAY OR SING THEM

The ability to recognize:

• a particular environment and to know its main characteristics
• the effectiveness with which the fundamental processes are functioning
• the role of “edge effect”; it's influence on “community dynamics” and the “carbon cycle”
• the management tools available to us and how they might be applied
• the difference between an “holistic approach” and “a process for managing holistically”
• what management models are currently available to us and where to find out about them
• the role of “solar economics” and the meaning of “triple bottom line”
• why in the long term “systems” will always fail (when living things are involved)

III. MANAGEMENT LEVEL: THE ABILITY TO COMPOSE, WRITE AND PLAY / SING A SONG

The ability to knowingly manipulate environmental processes to favour a predetermined outcome, to monitor progress and to effectively react when required.

IV. PLANNING LEVEL: THE ABILITY TO COMPOSE AND TO CONDUCT A SYMPHONY

The skills, experience and support required to assist at regional and national policy levels.