Nature Intelligence in youth work

Background We proposed Nature Intelligence (NQ) as a new concept that was able to provide a coherent approach/framework for youth workers and their organizations to implement the multiple arrays of benefits of connectedness with nature in their educational practice. The concept of NQ is related to other non-formal educational concepts, such as the concept of nature connectedness (NC) - which is the extent to which individuals include nature as part of their identity and includes an understanding of nature and everything it is made up of, even the parts that are not pleasing. NQ is, however, a broader concept that addresses the whole array of human functioning (not only cognition, but also emotions, behaviour spirituality) as antecedent conditions for fostering NC and as pathways leading (action) from NC to more environmental awareness and citizenship. The consequences of NQ have been both higher levels of engagement (higher intrinsic motivation), connection and empowerment to develop competences for (1) environmental activism and citizenship (youth goal 5); and (1) individual wellbeing (youth goal 5). In our organisations we saw the need for a coherent and evidence-based theoretical and methodological framework for the development of the psychological connection of humans to nature. There are many tools available, but no coherent framework, nor a competency model, that allows youth workers to effectively address the two youth goals in coherent approaches. This has also been confirmed by the Structural Dialogues by the youth forum that informed the EU youth strategy, where young people called for more high quality environmental educational programmes for youth. Objectives This project achieved environmental and climate goals, by contributing to the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG) of the United Nations for 2030. Especially goals 11 &13 have been addressed, which aim to reach climate action and sustainable societies. Besides the call for a more sustainable green Europe by the EU youth, the recent European Green Deal of the EC stressed out again the importance of the need for a shift in environmental awareness and citizenship for the sustainability of the planet and life on it. This project contributed to all of these above-mentioned goals by addressing the human factor in all of these underlying problems. Scientific evidence suggests that for making sustainable changes on this planet for the sake of the environment, the human factor, with all its emotions, thoughts and behaviour should be taken into consideration. The project offered an innovative curriculum that enabled behavioural changes through a strengthened emotional and cognitive connection with the environment. Without a 'Nature-Connection' (NC), behavioural changes were extrinsically motivated, whereas for long-lasting sustainable changes, intrinsic motivation had shown to be the most effective. The Nature Intelligence project developed this intrinsic motivation to be part of a sustainable and green Europe and world, through a stronger nature-connection. High levels of NC have been shown to be strongly connected to improved levels of environmental citizenship, environmentally friendly behaviour and environmental activism. In general there is strong support for the idea that encouraging NC in young people will help to achieve the youth goal of a sustainable green Europe. Implementation - Five multiplier events in 4 countries - Two LTTA's, one in Italy and one in the Netherlands. LTTA1 served in the development of IO2, and LTTA2 was a training course pilot IO3. - We had planned for four TPM's however none was held due to Covid-19 travel bans/restrictions throughout most part of the project. - Each month the partnership held a coordination meeting and additionally content meetings were organised to aid in the development of project results. Achievements - IO1 consist of a theoretical introduction, with a general introduction document (Practice Brief), a profound theoretical framework, a validated 36 statement self-assessment test (NQ36) and a compendium of deepening chapters on how the four NQ domains are manifested in existing youth work and other theories. The Practice Brief and the NQ36 have been translated in partners' language. - IO2 consists of a manual with design principles and guidelines that helps youth workers to develop NQ based youth programmes. The manual gives practical tips (principles and guidelines), inspirational stories from experienced youth workers, a step-by-step design process and a detailed reflection guide. This manual has been translated into partners' national language. As well a short video has been made that helps youth workers to promote their NQ programmes and inform potential participants. - IO3 consist of an online self-directed course to develop NQ competencies (available in English and the 4 partner languages), and a youth worker training course curriculum that helps trainers to develop courses for youth workers to be better able to work with O2.