We, Flourish in Nature Association (Netherlands) and OBA from (Türkiye) are two organizations working in the fields of nature-based learning and ecopsychology. Together, we have launched the Resilience in Nature project. Our partnership began in 2022 at the GREEN INCLUSION seminar in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, organized by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity RC and Erasmus+ Jeugd Netherlands. During this seminar, our organizations met and established a collaborative vision to work with youth on resilience-building. The project was later approved by the Dutch National Agency.
About Project
The Resilience in Nature project aims to support resilience in 14 to 18-year-old youth through nature-based activities and educational resources. Additionally, it combines the expertise of both organizations -eco pedagogy and ecopsychology- to develop innovative tools and initiate new projects in this field.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE?
• Research & Good Practices: Conducted a literature review, interviewed young people, youth workers, and experts to gather insights on effective practices.
• Pilot Activities: Tested and identified good practices through pilot activities with young people to evaluate their impact.
• Exchange of Best Practices: Facilitated an exchange of nature-based learning and resilience practices among youth workers and experts.
• Toolkit & Check-List Design: Created a practical toolkit and checklist for implementing nature-based learning on resilience in youth work.
RESILIENCE IN NATURE TOOLKIT
Why this toolkit?
Young people today are under great pressure from both global and local challenges such as climate change, war, financial insecurity, achievement pressures and social exclusion. At the same time, many young people struggle with mental health problems, while there is little focus in education on well-being and connection with nature. Research shows that nature can be a powerful source of resilience, but many young people have lost connection with it. They grow up in urban environments, get out in nature less often and have few opportunities to experience the value of peace, nature and connection.
