Nature Intelligence
Nature Intelligence is a multidimensional concept comprising human qualities to connect to nature in a cognitive, emotional and spiritual manner, and to actively use these qualities to support both one’s mental and social health and well-being as well as the well-being of nature and the planet.
Based on a review of the literature and input from partner organizations, nature intelligence was conceptualized as a multidimensional concept that describes people’s relationship with nature in terms of four domains of competencies:
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Cognitive competencies (Literacy, Interest, Skills),
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Emotional competencies (Connectedness, Embodiment, Open-Mindedness),
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Spiritual competencies (Transcendence, Mindfulness, Authenticity) and
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Action competencies (use of nature for Health, Engagement, and Socializing).
The four domains of competencies can be graphically represented in a flower model, with NQ in the heart of the flower as an emergent property.
To understand nature intelligence better, we researched various approaches such as environmental education, connectedness to nature, peak experiences, restorative environments research, nature-based therapies, and pro-environmental behaviour. All these approaches have five similarities that explain nature intelligence:
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active bodily engagement with nature,
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free time in nature,
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a balance between social and individual activities,
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taking away excessive fears, and
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exposing participants to a diversity of environments, including green spaces in the direct living environment.
We organised a training course for youth workers to become more fluent in fostering nature intelligence in young people. As a result, we will publish a fully constructed programme for such training course that can be used in the future. And for all people who learn through other people`s reflections, we plan to prepare a set of inspirational stories and articles that address different aspects of nature intelligence and an online training course. You can check the whole compilation of the resources we have developed on our website or download our Nature Intelligence Manual.