Wonder, Meaning and Action: Stories of Nature Connection, Wellbeing and Environmentalism in Australia

1.Human nature connectedness (HNC) positively impacts human wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours and is a leverage point for improving environmental outcomes. To date, most studies on HNC focus either on the wellbeing impacts or environmental outcomes of HNC, missing potential interlinkages between these three concepts and limiting our understanding of impacts resulting from the intersections. 2.To explore the meanings of these intersections we analysed 30 stories of HNC told by people living in Australia in which nature connection, wellbeing and environmentalism (PEBs and attitudes) intersected. It was found there is generally a positive relationship among the three concepts, with the exception that exposure to environmental destruction triggered negative emotions. Four themes were generated to describe the commonalities at the intersection: 1) Enthralled by nature 2) A lifetime of connection to nature 3) Reciprocity with nature and 4) Greater-than-self. 3.These stories where HNC intersects with wellbeing and PEBs, often described finding awe, beauty, wonder or magic in nature suggesting it being vital for a deeper connection to nature. The stories demonstrate that HNC, which often starts with a strong childhood connection to nature, can be maintained throughout life via multiple nature experiences. Further, they show how being in a reciprocal relationship with nature helps the wellbeing of both people and nature. Additionally, a focus beyond the individual self, an interest in the greater good for humanity or nature, was expressed in these stories.4.With regards to HNC dimensions, we found that although a strong emotional connection to nature was associated with pro-environmental actions, people sometimes felt negative effects on their emotional wellbeing due to it. All the other dimensions of HNC were positively associated with both wellbeing and positive environmental outcomes. 5. Policy implications: Supporting lifelong nature connection through health and environmental policies can result in positive impacts for human and environmental wellbeing. However, attempts to restore people’s broken relationship with nature must take care to support wellbeing in the context of environmental destruction and degradation. Findings suggest that conservation volunteering, gardening and hunting are activities that synergistically support HNC, and human and environmental wellbeing.