connectedtonature

connectedtonature is a concept that describes the intentional design of experiences, spaces, and technologies to strengthen people’s connection with the natural world. It emphasizes reciprocity: humans engage with nature in meaningful ways, and nature responds through ecosystem services and biodiversity.

The term emerged in discussions around biophilic design, nature-based therapy, and digital wellbeing in the late 2010s and early 2020s. It has been used by researchers, designers, and educators to frame practices that blend digital tools with nature-based activities rather than replacing direct contact with nature.

Applications include biophilic urban design, nature-inclusive education, and outdoor recreation programs that use apps, sensors, or augmented reality to guide awareness, track health metrics, or support citizen science. Examples include city parks with digital interpretive content, workplaces with access to green spaces and nature-based welfare programs, and curricula that connect classroom learning to local ecosystems.

Potential benefits include improved mental health, increased environmental literacy, and greater motivation to engage in conservation. It can also foster inclusive access to nature, especially when designed with varied habitats and accessibility in mind.

Critics warn against overreliance on technology, data privacy concerns, and the risk of commodifying nature. Effective implementation requires attention to equity, meaningful human-nature encounters, and avoiding distraction from direct observation and care for ecosystems.

See also: biophilic design, nature-based learning, ecopsychology, urban green spaces.