This article was written by Shreya Utkarsh, Expert, Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions, ICLEI Europe. Shreya works as an expert on nature-based solutions and biodiversity at ICLEI Europe where she serves to support local governments in making transformative urban plans and strategies with nature-based solutions for the people and the natural elements in cities.

  • The problem: How can we make it possible for future generations to become local frontiers for advocating more nature in cities?
  • Why it matters: With environmental education for young people implemented from an early age, future generations can make informed decisions and find adequate solutions to make liveable, resilient and healthy cities while safeguarding and promoting nature to flourish.
  • The solution: The integration of environmental education as an important element in education policies, alongside environmental strategies, to ensure youth have the appropriate skills and training to plan and undertake actions to act responsibly and live in harmony with nature.

With a growing body of evidence on the topic, the paramount role of nature in urban environments becomes increasingly evident. Nature not only aids in mitigating and adapting to a changing climate and reducing associated risks but also significantly impacts human health, wellbeing and food security. The need for well-prepared and dedicated environmental professionals will only grow as the world faces the social, economic and environmental consequences of climate change. Thus, it becomes imperative to educate youth on the multitudinous benefits of nature, including nature-based solutions (NbS), and how to safeguard it to live in harmony with nature over generations to come.

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Understanding nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions, inspired and supported by nature, play a pivotal role in increasing biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts, providing a wide range of socio-environmental benefits that can be translated into economic benefits. With the European Union spearheading efforts to research and implement NbS good practices, there is a growing need to examine the current landscape of environmental education at all education levels, including continuous professional development and educators, students as well as practitioners. GreenComp, the European sustainability competence framework, serves as a guiding tool to “provide a common ground to learners and guidance to educators, advancing a consensual definition of what sustainability as a competence entails” It enhances lifelong training through different learning settings. Ultimately, this will support local governments to acquire technical competencies and make informed decisions in urban plans and strategies, considering the benefits of nature.

Empowering youth

Equipping today's youth with a transdisciplinary understanding of NbS benefits, teaching them basic concepts on environmental sustainability at early stages and later bringing in the methodological approaches on environmental sustainability fosters critical thinking and systemic understanding from an early age. To ensure a thriving future for generations to come, environmental and NbS education should be integrated into school curricula across disciplines. By incorporating environmental principles into various subjects, we can nurture a holistic understanding of our relationship to nature. Environmental education has a direct impact on young minds (and with outdoor learning, also on their bodies) while preparing them for the future. Moreover, research indicates that environmental education not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates a sense of community identity and overall well-being among students.

Addressing challenges and opportunities

Policy initiatives such as the Horizon 2020 project NetworkNature underscore the importance of formal education in promoting sustainability. However, challenges persist, particularly in the integration of sustainability concepts into educational programmes. Mainstreaming NbS in education policies presents a promising approach to effectively address environmental and societal challenges through the protection, restoration and sustainable management practices of ecosystems. This calls for the integration of NbS into education policies.

By embracing nature-based solutions and integrating environmental education into formal, non-formal and informal settings, we can cultivate a generation equipped to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

A call to action for policymakers

Efforts to integrate NbS education should extend beyond formal schooling to encompass non-formal and informal education settings. Non-formal education refers to planned and structured education programmes outside the formal educational curriculum, while informal education refers to a lifelong learning process from the educational influences and resources in one's environment and from daily experience. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature, we can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. This necessitates support from local governments, public servants, policymakers and educators alike. Providing support for the NbS education sector, enabling training opportunities for teachers, organising or participating in NbS dissemination activities at national, regional and local levels and taking steps to facilitate the integration of NbS into curricula activities are essential. These efforts provide future generations with the tools necessary to build a better future for all.

Harnessing resources for education

An expanding array of resources and tools are available to educators to incorporate NbS education effectively. They range from learning scenarios produced within the NBS EduWORLD Horizon Europe project to tools and best practices for teachers. The NBS EduWORLD Learning Scenarios are detailed lesson plans that teachers can use to teach their students about NbS and their impact across different disciplines and age groups. They were developed and tested by teachers from all over Europe. Continued research, training and practical guidance are essential to support teachers and educational institutions in integrating NbS and other relevant nature-related education for the young.

In conclusion, fostering environmental literacy among the youth is paramount for achieving a sustainable future. Facilitating the use of NbS in education can support in creating healthier cities and more informed citizens, leading to more acceptance of and support for sustainability transitions. By embracing nature-based solutions and integrating environmental education into formal, non-formal and informal settings, we can cultivate a generation equipped to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders (educators, NbS practitioners and policymakers) to collaborate and take decisive action towards building a harmonious relationship with nature for the well-being of future generations.

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