Promoting nature connectedness through nature-based activities: an underestimated pathway to healthy urban living

Abstract

Natural green and blue spaces in urban environments are associated to numerous benefits, and increased nature connectedness (NC) has emerged as a potential mediator of nature exposure health benefits. However, there is still a lack of understanding of how to promote NC in urban natural spaces. Availability of natural spaces does not mean actual exposure, nor time spent in them necessarily means active engagement with nature. In this context, nature-based activities (NBA) are well-designed experiences that engage people in nature with the goal of improving health and well-being. The purpose of this review is to provide an integrative synthesis of the existing literature regarding NBA in urban environments that examined their relationship with NC as a health mediator. NBA are first categorized in different types. A total of 26 studies were included and summarized. With few exceptions, most of the studies showed positive correlations between a variety of NBA and increased levels of nature connectedness, which were also linked to markers of mental health and well-being. No studies directly examining physical health outcomes were identified, and most of the available research was conducted in green spaces. Further research exploring specific characteristics of NBA and subgroups of the population that could benefit the most from these interventions should be conducted. This evidence might later contribute to additional societal benefits promoting cost-effective interventions for healthy urban living. Activities in direct contact with urban nature may become an effective way of promoting NC and increasing health and well-being in a highly urbanized world.