The many ways nature nurtures human well-being

New study identifies the multiple intersecting pathways linking the nonmaterial contributions of ecosystems to human well-being

Visitors leisurely enjoy an iris garden in Japan. Of all the pathways linking a single cultural ecosystem service to a single constituent of well-being captured from the academic literature, 86.3% represented positive contributions compared to just 11.7% negative contributions. ©2022 Nicola Burghall CC-BY-NC
Visitors leisurely enjoy an iris garden in Japan. Of all the pathways linking a single cultural ecosystem service to a single constituent of well-being captured from the academic literature, 86.3% represented positive contributions compared to just 11.7% negative contributions. ©2022 Nicola Burghall CC-BY-NC

A systematic review of 301 academic articles on “cultural ecosystem services” has enabled researchers to identify how these nonmaterial contributions from nature are linked to and significantly affect human well-being. They identified 227 unique pathways through which human interaction with nature positively or negatively affects well-being. These were then used to isolate 16 distinct underlying mechanisms, or types of connection, through which people experience these effects. This comprehensive review brings together observations from a fragmented field of research, which could be of great use to policymakers looking to benefit society through the careful use and protection of the intangible benefits of nature.

UTokyo Forcus (external link)

Research title:


Linking the nonmaterial dimensions of human-nature relations and human well-being through cultural ecosystem services

Joint Researchers:


Huynh, L.T.M., Gasparatos, A., Su, J., Dam Lam, R., Grant, E.I., Fukushi, K

Journal:


Science Advances
August 5, 2022
doi:10.1126/sciadv.abn8042.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn8042

Contact:


Alexandros Gasparatos
Associate Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives
https://ifi.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/people/gasparatos-alexandros/