Richard Louv is a journalist and the author of eight books about the connections between family, nature and community.
The value of nature as an essential aspect of our health, creativity, intelligence and wellbeing is often overlooked. Yet when nature is diminished, so are we.
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, uses the term nature-deficit disorder to explain the correlation between an increase in social, mental and physical health problems with less time spent in nature in our increasingly busy and technology-driven lives.
ACF is delighted to be hosting Connected by Nature: In conversation with Richard Louv, a series of public events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide from February 22-26.
Richard Louv argues that by tapping into the restorative powers of nature - by getting a strong hit of ‘vitamin nature’ - we can boost mental agility and creativity; promote health and wellbeing; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds.
Connected by Nature: In conversation with Richard Louv will offer renewed optimism while challenging us to rethink the way we live.
For individual event details and to purchase tickets, click on each event below.
For a list of some of the organizations building the children and nature movement in Australia, click here.
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Comments
Hi Richard,
Can’t wait to hear your Brisbane presentation having purchased and read your books a number of times. Probably won’t have the privilege of a private meeting with you but will be there. We all press on in positive spirit.
My wife and I have a 30 yr track record in nature-based tours and the Australian wilderness for active seniors and have also ventured into the sharp end of development and nation building projects. We have to influence from within so to speak. With a strong connection to the inland I can tell you your NDD runs much deeper in Australia than might first be realised. There is a huge divide existing between seaboard and city communities and life beyond The Great Dividing Range. It is having significant effects economically socially and environmentally. Further we have the oldest living culture here and a deep study indicates their connection to country or land is at the heart of their survival - The First Australians. I believe the history of white Australians disconnecting them from their lands and the roots of their being one with nature is at least partly at the core of their assimilation and reconciliation problems of today. As a generalisation we have effectively disconnected them from nature and their spiritual lands and here you are advocating and urging other Australians to reconnect with nature. No finer irony or NDD lesson possibly exists.
Australia is rich in exploitable resources and a number of generations in the cities are now disconnected from the inland and nature. This is impacting on corporate decisions relating to mining etc etc. The NDD story needs to project a lot further than families and youth (which is great) deeper into corporate and industry sectors. And it has legitimacy.
There is much more to the Australian story, but that is for another day.
My other sites of possible interest are http://www.connectiontocountry.com and
http://www.touchthewilderness.com
I follow you on Twitter - natureboundaust
You may also be aware of Baroness Susan Greenfield of the UK who has much to convey on the subject of brains, nature, technological imbalance and I am aware that nature has a deep connection with the well being of Seniors, who are current victims on “technology shock”.
In a humble way I hope to understudy your efforts in this my own country and must congratulate you on the global traction and following you have achieved in the interest of a better world.
Good luck with your tour.
Cheers,
John Thompson
Many thanks Richard,
As expected a full house, a wonderful insight into NDD issues and loads of inspiration presented by you in a calm and sincere manner.
Good luck in your continuing global travels and presentations. The strength of your spirit will ensure many Australians (and others) rediscover the places in nature they own; those places owning them.
Best wishes,
John
hi Richard Louv,
Thanks for Great information given in this blog, and i am big fan your books. I follow every book of you and my favourite book of you is 101 Things You Can Do for Our Children’s Future…
regards,