Project Introduction

The project was based on “Nurture via Nature: Hong Kong Nature Connectedness and Outdoor Environmental Education” conducted through 2023 to 2025. During that period, a series of promotion and advocacy work was conducted, including Hong Kong’s first large-scale baseline research on Nature Connectedness of Children and Outdoor Environmental Education in Schools.It revealed that:

  • 27.3% of students with low nature connectedness, while 32.6% struggle with poor well-being. Although parents value nature, time and safety concerns often limit family-led exposure.
  • Despite Hong Kong's abundant natural assets, nearly 30% of schools didn’t organize learning in natural environments last year. Student’s average time for learning in natural areas was only 4.43 hours annually—well below the teacher-ideal of 6–8 hours. We aim to better utilize school gardens, nearby urban greenery, and surrounding natural environments to increase the opportunity for students to encounter nature.
  • Currently, 67% of outdoor environmental education programs are outsourced, leading to transactional and weak curricular integration. This over-reliance creates a fragile, transactional system that undermines schools' internal capacity, prevents teacher upskilling, and delivers inconsistent student experiences.

Overall, the above research uncovered three key challenges in nature-based education: the limited time students spend learning in nature, the lack of mainstreaming of nature-based education within the school curriculum, and the need for professional development in nature-based education. To address Hong Kong's youth mental health needs and build a culture of environmental stewardship, the project proposes scaling a proven solution: high-quality nature-based learning. It aims to catalyse the adoption of high-quality nature-based learning in schools to enhance student well-being and environmental stewardship.

The project will be conducted through 2026 to 2028. It focuses on four main components to advocate Nature-based Education in Hong Kong through:

  • Formal CurriculumMainstream through Primary Science and Humanities
    Teaching and Learning
  • Build Network of ChampionsHong Kong Outstanding Nature-based Schools and Teachers Award and Education Leaders Network
  • Non-formal CurriculumNature-based Interventions for Students with Special Educational Needs
  • Capacity BuildingCertified Training in Nature-based Education

Project Objectives

  • Mainstream and advocate Nature-based Education in primary school curriculum
  • Build a professional talent pipeline through certification, raising the standards and professionalism of Nature-based Education
  • Enhance people’s connection with nature and promote societal sustainability through broader adoption and deepening of Nature-based Education

Project Logo Design Concept

  • The open book with minimalist lines features three distinct layers of pages.This symbolizes the indispensable "Three-Fold Approach" to environmental education: Education about the environment, Education in the environment, and Education for the environment.
  • The flying bird serves as a metaphor for our commitment to restoring children's connection with nature, symbolizing an upward movement toward educational reform.
  • The leaf symbolizes nature-based education. The interlacing colors visually create an "open door to education," signifying a departure from traditional classrooms to embrace learning in nature.