Protecting nature in diverse ways: The socio-demographic spread of benefits from connecting with nature

Nature connection and its relationships with stewardship vary across social and environmental contexts. Through a nationally representative survey in Australia, this study examines engagement in four different pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) (advocacy, consumer-conscious, conservation, and gardening), their socio-demographic correlates, and the associations with both nature connection and wellbeing. We found strong associations between nature connection and all examined PEBs, however different groups were more likely to engage in different types of PEBs. For example, younger people are more likely to engage in advocacy and conservation behaviours, while older Australians are more likely to engage in consumer-conscious behaviours and gardening. All PEBs were significantly associated with wellbeing, however only advocacy behaviours remained significant when controlling for nature connection. These findings highlight the importance of biodiversity policies that holistically enhance nature connection for a range of people, alongside sustainability measures to support the wellbeing of both people and planet.