Number: 2007-01
WHEREAS, the American public, especially its children, is increasingly isolated from the outdoors and such isolation deprives people of a range of values and healthy interactions; and
WHEREAS, research studies show the “average” child spends over 40 hours per week watching television or otherwise connected to some electronic media and is increasingly subjected to the subliminal message that the “outdoors is a dangerous place”; and
WHEREAS, studies show that children who spend time in outdoor settings tend to be physically and emotionally healthier and spending active time in nature has been shown to benefit cognitive abilities of children, fostering an appreciation for the natural world and a sense of stewardship; and
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has recognized the problem of “nature deficit disorder” as coined by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, and announced its No Child Left Inside initiative to combat this problem including the Connecticut Great Park Pursuit, of which the Connecticut Forest and Park Association is an active partner, to connect more families with nature; and
WHEREAS, National Wildlife Federation recognizes through its strategic plan the importance of developing sound programming and policy to connect children to nature and help them routinely spend time engaged in the outdoors and nature, and to ensure that one-third of U.S. parents are regularly educated about the importance of nature and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, numerous efforts are underway by organizations, including the American Recreation Coalition, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, Project Learning Tree, United States Forest Service, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and many others to address nature deficit and provide opportunities and experiences for children to develop a conservation value and appreciation for the natural world;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 30-31, 2007, in Washington, D.C., hereby urges all states to acknowledge the problem of “nature deficit disorder” and secure both educational and political support to ensure that children and families have positive opportunities to connect with the outdoors and nature; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation encourages its national network of state affiliate organizations to collaborate with an array of organizations to connect more people with nature and their local environs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports development and implementation of programs nationally and within each state providing an outdoor learning component for all children and families. National Wildlife Federation believes that for nature deficit to be reversed, children need to develop a positive relationship with the outdoors in a manner that is age-appropriate and begins with discovery and wonderment. The use of technology and media is encouraged as tools for learning, but not as substitutes for outdoor experiences.