According to European Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 (2015, 2018), one of the WHO/European priorities for mental health is wellbeing of the population by supporting activities that promote mental wellbeing and prevent mental disorders, because mental health affects the lives of people living with mental problems, their careers, and the productivity of society as a whole. Positive mental health (PMH) is a state of wellbeing in which the “individual realizes his or her own abilities, can manage the normal stresses of life, can work effectively, and is able to play a role in his or her community” (WHO, 2001).
       Besides, Nature Intelligence (NQ) as a new concept provides a coherent approach/framework for adults and adults
educators/trainers and their organizations to implement the multiple array of benefits of connectedness with nature in their educational practice. The concept of NQ- described by Howard Gardner in his theory on multiple intelligences; and also described as the concept of ecological intelligence by Daniel Goleman- is related to other non-formal educational concepts, such as the concept of nature connectedness (NC). Nature connectedness is also seen as an essential element of being able to promote a green and sustainable Europe and promote wellbeing of individuals. NQ has in common with these concepts that the ability to connect with nature is considered a mechanism for learning and positive change, through enhanced cognitive functioning. For the purpose of our project, the concept of NQ can be defined as: ‘the capability of individuals to identify themselves as part of the natural world, to experience a sense of caring, and respect, for nature, and to actively use competences to engage in concrete activities that promote lasting changes in individual wellbeing and the way societies deal with the planet and its ecosystems’. This project basically focuses on NQ within adult education in order to promote adults’ nature connectedness, PMH, wellbeing, nature intelligence competences, to train adult educators/trainers and stakeholders on nature intelligence, PMH, wellbeing with the aim of empowering adult people in their digital environment. This project deserves to be funded because Nature Intelligence, positive mental health and wellbeing and the acquisition of important social and emotional life skills ensure that adults can handle these challenges effectively and flourish in the 21st century.

               This project ‘NQ-ADULT’ aims at developing an up-to-date and evidence-based concept and approach for an educational opportunity for adults aged 30-60 that is unique in the purpose of raising awareness on the importance of Nature Intelligence as a basic competency element for individual, societal and environmental wellbeing. This project also aims at developing a parallel curriculum for adult educators/trainers to support and increase their competencies on NQ at personal and professional level.

              In addition to project management (WP1), the project intends to create a theoretical framework for a systematic approach of the promotion of NQ in adult education including an NQ competency model (IO1); a manual of methodologies and tools for adult educators/trainer supporting the development of the NQ competencies in adults (IO3); a training (self-directed ecourse and offline course) for adult educators/trainer on the development of their competences for the promotion of NQ adult people (IO4).

          After the realization of theoretical framework (IO2), the manual a testing phase will be carried out in the 5 partners (IO3). Two training courses will be run addressed to the staff in charge of implementing the project and developing the project results, and to adult educators/trainer aiming at increasing their personal and professional NQ competences (IO4). The activities will be piloted during 4 national events in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

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