In an increasingly distracting, virtual environment, many of us spend as much or more time blocking out our senses than using and growing them. “What are all of us missing out on when we rush through the bush, rush through life?” Carol Birrell, who teaches nature education at the Centre for Education Research, University of Western Sydney, wonders. Australians have a reputation for being an outdoors-oriented people. But Australians are experiencing nature-deficit disorder. In Australia, physical activity is decreasing and screen-based activity is increasing. The pace of that change increases as children get older, according to ABS. One in ten children play outside once a week or less, and nearly one in four parents say their children have never climbed a tree, according to Australia’s Planet Ark. Public awareness about the benefits of nature experience is spreading. Across Australia inspiring campaigns and programs are springing up. Pediatricians are beginning to prescribe nature. Urban planners are once again considering the nurturing of nature-rich neighborhoods. Conservationists are viewing urban regions as potential engines of biodiversity. University of Western Sydney Associate Professor Tonia Gray argues for more nature-based experiences in the national curriculum and a mandate for every child to experience the natural world based not only on science but “on direct, visceral and personal engagement with nature.” Momentum is growing. We see it in the new vigor of organisations, in new initiatives like Nature Play initiatives spreading across Australia oric.org.au/Industry_Information/Health_Wellbeing/How_do_we_Fight_Nature_Blindness.html
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:23:24 +0000
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