The concept of Nature Intelligence (NQ) was first developed in the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership Nature Intelligence in Youth Work. This project focused on young people aged 16–30 and explored how nature can be used in youth work to support well-being, personal growth, and engagement with environmental challenges.

Based on literature, fieldwork, and input from youth workers, a theoretical framework was developed that defines Nature Intelligence as a set of human qualities in four domains: cognition, emotion, spirituality, and action. The model was visualised in the form of a flower, with each petal representing a dimension of NQ. The heart of the flower symbolises Nature Intelligence as an emergent property that arises when these competencies come together.

The project resulted in a practical curriculum and a validated 36-item NQ scale, designed to help youth workers recognize and support NQ in young people. This foundational model has since inspired two follow-up projects aimed at younger children and adults.

For more info on the partners in this project and the outputs, click below.