From connection to conservation: Nature-based mindfulness as a pathway to pro-environmental behaviors

Nature-based mindfulness interventions (NBMIs) are increasingly recognized for fostering nature connection and promoting pro-environmental behavior (PEB). However, robust longitudinal evidence of their sustained impact within the general population remains limited. This study investigated how such an intervention impacts pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Adults (M_age ≈ 46 years, predominantly female) from a German biosphere region were nonrandomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 56) undergoing a 3-week NBMI or to a wait-list control group (n = 49). Participants completed measures of nature connection (nature-based mindfulness and emotional affinity toward nature), environmental cognition (threat awareness and responsibility), and behavior (intentions, PEB, and time in nature) at three time points over 15 weeks. Mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) analyses revealed that the NBMI group showed significantly greater increases in nature connection and responsibility attributions post-intervention than the control group. Although immediate PEB effects were mixed, a key finding was a delayed impact: The NBMI group exhibited significantly greater PEB (d = 0.53) and spent more time in nature (d = 0.34) at follow-up compared to T1, consistent with a time-lagged effect potentially mediated by enhanced connection. These findings suggest that NBMIs effectively cultivate a deeper relationship with nature, providing a psychological foundation for sustained environmental stewardship. Implications and future research directions are discussed.