The article analyzes the importance of ecological awareness and ecological education in environmental protection from scientific, pedagogical and social perspectives. In the context of modern global environmental problems, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, irrational use of natural resources and degradation of ecosystems, the formation of ecological awareness is becoming one of the most important tasks of education. Ecological awareness is understood as a person’s conscious attitude toward nature, understanding of the relationship between society and the environment, and readiness to participate responsibly in solving environmental problems. Ecological education, in turn, is a purposeful pedagogical process aimed at developing environmental knowledge, values, skills and practical behavior. The article examines the role of educational institutions, biology lessons, interdisciplinary approaches and practical activities in shaping ecological culture among students. The research is based on the analysis of scientific literature, international educational documents and pedagogical approaches related to environmental protection. The results show that ecological education is effective when it combines theoretical knowledge, practical activity, value-based upbringing and social responsibility. The article concludes that the development of ecological awareness and ecological education is an important condition for forming a responsible, active and environmentally competent generation capable of contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.