Fostering early adolescent health and planetary well-being through nature: a Delphi study on nature-based literacy

Becoming nature 'literate' may promote nature engagement in early adolescence, supporting both health and well-being, while nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship. This study aimed to advance the formative research necessary for the development of a nature-based literacy framework including a set of indicators specific to its measurement during early adolescence. An e-Delphi study design was used with an expert panel comprised of international academics (n = 18) and practitioners (n = 8). After three rounds, experts agreed key components of nature-based literacy were knowledge, competence, confidence, motivation, experience, connection, and stewardship. The nature-based literacy framework comprehensively represents the intrapersonal factors and related indicators that influence nature engagement, particularly during early adolescence. This will support the development of interventions designed to enhance early adolescent health outcomes, strengthen their connection to nature, and inspire them to value and protect the natural world.