A new paper from the Nature Connection Project, published in Ambio, provides evidence that people who feel more connected to nature report higher levels of wellbeing. Based on a large national survey, the research shows that nature connection plays an important role in the quality of life across Australia.
What the study found
Using responses from more than 4,000 people across urban, regional and remote areas, the study found that:
- People with stronger connections to nature report higher life satisfaction and better health-related quality of life.
- The positive relationship between nature connection and life satisfaction is present for all life satisfaction domains and is a similar in strength to that of income, a well-known predictor of wellbeing.
- Feeling connected to nature matters alongside physical access to green and blue spaces for wellbeing.
These findings suggest that how people relate to nature - physically, cognitively and emotionally - is an important factor for their wellbeing.
Why it matters
Australia’s Strategy for Nature sets a national goal to connect all Australians with nature. This research provides strong evidence that achieving this goal could deliver wellbeing benefits for people as well as environmental outcomes.
The findings are relevant for policy and practice in public health, urban planning, nature-based solutions and community programs, particularly where initiatives aim to support both human wellbeing and pro environmental behaviours.
About the Nature Connection Project
Led by Dr Emily Flies at the University of Tasmania, the project explores how nature connection influences wellbeing and behaviour through a national survey and storytelling.
Read the paper: Nature connection and wellbeing in Australia
