The climate
crisis and the loss of biodiversity show that a distance has arisen between
humans and nature. It is precisely this relationship with nature, also
described as nature connectedness, that ensures physical and psychological
well-being and contributes to eco-positive behaviour. Promoting eco-positive behaviour
is essential for effective nature conservation. By promoting nature
connectedness (hereinafter: NC) and thus eco-positive behaviour, a society is
created that is committed to each other, with more biodiversity and
environmental protection.
The New
Roots Project responds to the current disconnect between humans and nature, by
re-rooting the connection from various social directions (education, art and
entrepreneurs) from the Northern Dutch and Northern German cultures. The goal
of the project is to increase NC. We see NC as the basis of eco-positive
behavior and well-being; By promoting NC, a more future-proof society is
created, improving biodiversity and the quality of life in the border area.
Our
program uses three pillars within which projects and programs are organized.
These pillars correspond to three work packages: 1. Companies &
Governments; 2. Education & Nature Education; 3. Art & Culture. Various
activities are organised within these work packages, such as projects,
workshops and research. It is aimed at target groups ranging from children to
seniors, in the Northern Netherlands and Northern Germany. The goal is to reach
people across society, and to introduce NC into the cultural and educational
landscape, in companies and in policy institutions. The New Roots Project is
based on NC as a scientific concept and has a work package (Work Package 7) to
investigate NC. The programs are designed and updated for this purpose and the
effects of activities on participants are monitored and analysed (see Appendix
1).
