Regenerative Leisure Experiences in the Natural Environment
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Issue Date
2026
Editor
Authors
Casey, Chad
License
Subject
School of tourism and hospitality management
Abstract
This research thesis aims to explore how nature-based experiences can foster nature connectedness and the development of ecological identity, theorized to enhance participants' health and wellbeing. In addition, the research thesis investigates Regenerative Nature-Based Experiences (RNBE) in relation to pro-environmental beliefs and conservation mindsets in participants, which, in turn, supports reconciliation behaviours towards the natural world and planet, benefiting individuals, communities, and the environment on both local and global levels. The research findings provide encouraging evidence for how RNBE may impart these virtues to participants, thereby fostering resilience and regenerative benefits for human, economic, and natural ecosystems. Guided nature-based experiences are also explored, highlighting the principles, practices, skills, and techniques essential to facilitating meaningful, authentic experiences for participants. Barriers that individuals face across diverse sociocultural backgrounds in accessing nature and participating in nature-based experiences were also investigated.The findings suggest that nature connectedness can be fostered through RNBE and that nature connectedness nurtures ecological identity and instills pro-environmental behaviours in participants. This research shows the potential of RNBE to connect individuals with nature and promote improved health and wellbeing. The research also highlights the many challenges and inequalities in accessing nature, finding that barriers are especially pronounced in underrepresented populations. Guides of RNBE can act as gatekeepers to RNBE, mitigating or eliminating barriers faced by diverse populations.
A conceptual framework based on the research was designed to demonstrate how RNBE fosters Nature Connectedness (NC) and leads to the development of Ecological Identity (EI), enhancing the health and wellbeing benefits nature provides. The framework illustrates how NC and EI nurture pro-environmental behaviours and contribute to a regenerative system, considering a variety of elements and variables deemed necessary for the development of regenerative, nature-based experience programming. A quick reference guidebook for RNBE practitioners is also included condensing the findings of the research in a convenient platform.
While there have been many studies and research on humans connecting and benefitting from nature, much less research has attempted to examine how nature-based experiences in conjunction with the fostering the of Nature Connectedness (NC) and development of Ecological Identity (EI) enhance health and wellbeing benefits; moreover, how this may work as a gateway to change mindsets and instil pro-environmental behaviours that hold the potential to shift thinking in participants towards regenerative evolutional ecological systems. This research paper in particular examines how nature-based experiences and outdoor activities such as outdoor interpretation, plein air art, forest immersion activities, adventure activities, storm watching, cloud gazing, star gazing, night walks, and other mediums of nature contact and nature-based experiences through a framework may be used to foster evolutional ecological regenerative systems and create opportunities and eliminate barriers bringing benefits that connecting with nature provides on a variety of levels across diverse populations. The research methods employed in the literature review, expert interviews, and online survey provide compelling support for the health and wellbeing benefits that nature-based experiences can offer to participants, communities, and the environment.
Description
2026