Part of Salzburg Global's Education Pillar

Our Purpose

The Nature-Based Education program convenes innovators to align education with environmental goals, enhancing learning outcomes, well-being, and climate action, thus helping build a more resilient, just, and sustainable future for all. 


Why It Matters

Global attention is focused on the interconnecting crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and social justice. 

At the same time, our education systems are struggling to equip children with the skills they need to thrive. 

To tackle these challenges simultaneously, experts in education, conservation, and environment are combining their efforts to offer nature-based education as a feasible solution and hopeful path to transformative change. 

Nature-based education makes children healthier, happier, and smarter. It encourages them to be better stewards of nature. The time for action is now. 

Our Publications

Work undertaken in our Nature-Based Education program relates to our Education Center's theme of "Regenerative Education". 

It also relates to our previous program, Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning.

The latter launched online in November 2021 and was followed a year later by an in-person session in Salzburg. 

Between May 2024 and February 2025, Salzburg Global and Children & Nature Network continued to lead monthly online meetings for a community of practice to share knowledge and case studies. 

This program as a whole led to two outputs:
 

  • The Salzburg Statement on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning
  • The Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning Action Agenda

You can learn more about these outputs below, as well as the first publication to stem from the Nature-Based Education program. 

The Salzburg Statement on Nature-Based Education

On November 18, we will launch The Salzburg Statement on Nature-Based Education. This publication calls on world leaders to commit to and deliver ambitious plans to integrate nature into their education systems. 

It also serves as an invitation to educators, families, and school leaders to use their agency and imagination to explore the benefits of Nature-Based Education.

You're invited to join us for the launch online. The webinar will take place on November 18 between 14:00 and 15:00 CET

Please register in advance of this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on joining the meeting on Zoom.

The Salzburg Statement on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning

Fellows drafted a Salzburg Statement to influence thinking, policy, and approaches to school grounds and outdoor learning opportunities. 

This Statement, published in September 2022, supports the global action agenda to ensure that all children and communities have access to green school grounds and outdoor learning.

Download Statement

The Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning Action Agenda

A 24-point action agenda to support the work that will lead to a world where every child—especially the most vulnerable—connects meaningfully with nature every day.

Download the Agenda



Latest Insights

Education Update
Reconnecting Education and Earth: A Policy Pathway To Nature-Based Education
Salzburg Global Fellow Kathryn Scott believes it’s time to reconnect classrooms with the natural world - and use behavior change theory to make it happen
Nov 07, 2025
Education Update
Building Community Through Stories
Longtime faculty member Sanjeev Chatterjee held the annual Bailey Morris-Eck Lecture at the 19th Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
Oct 20, 2025
Education Update
How Can Academics Center Africa? Start By Reading African Scholarship
Everyone can be more intentional about reading, citing, and assigning scholarship about Africa and by African scholars
Sep 11, 2025
Education Update
Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change Examines Local Media and Democratic Health
19th Media Academy enables young creative minds to reinvent local media with compassion, care, and community 
Aug 21, 2025
Education Update
16 Lessons From 16 Days at the Media Academy
Salzburg Global Fellow Madeline Waltman reflects on lessons learned about herself and others during the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
Apr 24, 2025
Education Update
Back and Forward: A Trio and a Degree
Salzburg Global Fellow Israel Campos reflects on friendship, belonging, and the moments that shaped his time at the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
Apr 11, 2025
Education Update
Arrival, Adaptation, Affection
Salzburg Global Fellow Mia Yang reflects on her journey of belonging and self-discovery at the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
Mar 18, 2025
Education Update
A Toolkit to Pursue Belonging
Salzburg Global Fellow Logan Ward presents a toolkit for a "strong global community that contributes to a flourishing, accessible knowledge base and maintains a radical acceptance of differences"
Mar 05, 2025
Education Update
Reflections on the Living Library
Salzburg Global Fellows reflect on how the Living Library fostered empathy, understanding, and connection during the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
Feb 26, 2025

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As a nonprofit organization, we rely on your generosity and support to gather open-minded leaders for breakthrough conversations.

Donations, no matter the size, help us create space for dialogue that overcomes barriers and opens up a world of better possibilities.

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