Participatory approaches to enact meaningful interconnectedness with the natural environment: a case study in Singapore

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the last decades, Singapore has reintroduced biodiverse green spaces in the city with the aim of enhancing the wellbeing of residents through nature connection. Despite the impressive urban green infrastructure built, surges in mental health related problems have questioned the efficacy of the methods applied to reconnect citizens with the natural environment. Of interest are the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) nature placemaking programmes introducing new social-ecological values that influence the sense of psychological wellbeing in the long-term. Nevertheless, since nature placemaking is a relatively new practice, more knowledge on the methods implemented to connect residents to the natural environment is needed, considering also the values enacted, how facilitators impact or accelerate the process, and the necessary frequency of interaction and time of engagement. To explore this, we conducted an in-depth analysis at the NGO ‘The Ground-Up Initiative’ (GUI) in Singapore. A sequential mixed-methods study, including seven focus groups and a survey was conducted with core members and volunteers. It was found that the duration of engagement and number of programmes attended are correlated to feelings of social cohesion, sense of community, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Additionally, the role of facilitators was found to be a determinant to enable values that promote interconnectedness with the natural environment.