Studies by Professor Keisuke Hanaki of the University of Tokyo Graduate School and Professor Kevin Gaston of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom have revealed that everyday nature experiences raise children's awareness of biodiversity conservation.The research results were published in the electronic version of the academic journal "Environmental Survey, International Journal of Public Health".
According to the survey, in addition to direct nature experiences such as walking in the green space and catching insects, the frequency of seeing creatures on TV and books and talking about nature with parents and friends was heard.As a result, children who frequently visit the natural environment of the area, such as green spaces, were more conscious of biodiversity conservation than children who did not.
Furthermore, it was found that indirect nature experiences through television and books also increase the sense of familiarity with nature and the interest in biodiversity conservation.On the contrary, children who had little experience of nature had extremely low awareness of biodiversity and environmental protection.
The number of children who have no experience of nature such as mountain climbing, tree climbing, and insect catching is increasing all over the country.The research team believes that the rapid departure of children from nature suggests that it will be a major obstacle to the formation of environmental awareness, and that daily nature experiences have great significance in environmental education.
