Work

Translating Japanese Forest Education to Urban Green Spaces: Insights from Whole Earth Nature School for Park and Botanical Garden Programs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the applicability of the Japanese forest education model, exemplified by the Whole Earth Nature School (WENS), to environmental education programs within urban parks and botanical gardens. Focusing on WENS’s approach—characterized by immersive natural experiences, innovative facilitation techniques, and support from interdisciplinary educator teams to foster independent thinking through experiential learning—the research identifies three transferable insights: (1) Reorienting educational philosophy to prioritize nature-based learning for holistic development, particularly within urban green spaces; (2) Developing localized curricula that leverage the unique ecological resources of specific park and garden environments; (3) Establishing dedicated professional development systems for educators focused on site-based pedagogy. The findings demonstrate that adapting the forest education model can significantly enhance environmental education initiatives in urban parks and botanical gardens, which offers actionable strategies for integrating experiential nature learning into their educational planning.

Source: Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens

DOI: 10.3390/jzbg6040053

Authors: Kaiwen Zheng, Hui Fu

Institution: Hainan University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental and sustainability education

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207