The project aimed to promote adult wellbeing and ecological awareness by developing and applying the concept of Nature Intelligence in adult education. Our main objectives were: 1.To establish a theoretical framework and competency model for NQ in adults, integrating emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual dimensions; 2.To create and validate a personalised mobile app (NatuReal) that helps adult learners develop their NQ competencies through real-world, reflective activities; 3.To design and implement a dual-format training programme for adult educators—combining a self-paced e-course with a long-term residential training sequence—to build their capacity to support learners' NQ development in both digital and face-to-face contexts. Through these objectives, we aimed to strengthen the role of nature-based learning in adult education, encourage sustainable behaviours, and contribute to the professionalisation of educators working in wellbeing, mental health, and environmental education.
We applied for this project to address the growing need for adult learning tools that promote personal wellbeing, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to nature. While there is increasing recognition of nature's role in mental health and sustainability, there was no structured framework or digital learning tool focused on developing Nature Intelligence (NQ) in adults. Existing adult education programmes often lacked approaches that integrate the emotional, cognitive, behavioural, ánd spiritual dimensions of nature connection. We identified a gap in professional development for adult educators in this area, especially in how to facilitate such learning in both digital and physical environments. This project responded to those needs by developing an evidence-based framework, a personalised mobile app (NatuReal), and a dual-format educator training programme—aiming to empower both adult learners and educators to foster sustainable, reflective lifestyles through a closer relationship with the natural world.