A newly published journal article from IP1: Nature Connection and Wellbeing examines how Australians’ connection with nature relates to wellbeing and everyday environmental behaviours. The paper, Protecting nature in diverse ways: The socio-demographic spread of benefits from connecting with nature, explores:
- four different pro-environmental behaviours (advocacy, consumer-conscious, conservation, and gardening)
- their socio-demographic correlations
- the associations with both nature connection and well-being.
What the research shows
Using national survey data, the research finds that:
- people who feel more connected to nature report greater engagement in pro-environmental behaviours in daily life
- different groups engage in different types of PEBs. For example, younger adults are more likely to engage in advocacy and conservation behaviours, while older adults are more likely to engage in consumer-conscious behaviours and gardening
- People who engage in pro-environmental behaviours report better wellbeing. However, for all behaviours except advocacy, these relationships were largely explained by the fact their higher nature connection (which is closely associated with wellbeing)
These findings align with Australia’s Strategy for Nature, which identifies connecting all Australians with nature as a national priority.
Why this research matters
Many Australians have limited contact with nature due to modern lifestyles, geographic location and other impacting factors. This research shows that strengthening nature connection can support both human wellbeing and positive environmental outcomes, highlighting the value of approaches that benefit people and places at the same time.
Nature Connection and the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub
The research contributes directly to the Nature Connection project’s objectives by tracking progress towards national goals and clarifying how nature connection influences wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours in Australia. It also supports the Hub’s impact aims by:
- providing evidence to inform policy and planning
- supporting place-based and community-informed approaches
- linking social wellbeing with long-term environmental stewardship.
What’s next for the research?
The Nature Connection project will continue with:
- analysing findings from the national nature connection survey
- case studies on urban greening and nature-based solutions
- indigenous-led research and community storytelling
- policy recommendations to integrate nature connection into planning and wellbeing initiatives.
