Riga, Latvia – As universities worldwide grapple with rising rates of student anxiety and a growing need for sustainable practices, a collaborative project led by Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) is exploring the potential of digital tools and nature-based interventions to bolster student well-being and foster a deeper connection to the environment. The GreenTouch project, a partnership within the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, aims to integrate these approaches into higher education, offering a novel approach to supporting the holistic development of students.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Studies consistently demonstrate a link between time spent in nature and improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased cognitive function. Simultaneously, a growing awareness of the climate crisis is prompting calls for educational institutions to prioritize sustainability and equip students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. GreenTouch seeks to capitalize on both trends, offering a practical framework for universities to enhance student life while promoting ecological consciousness.
The project, launched in 2024, brings together RSU with the University of Maribor (Slovenia), FOREHUB LDA (Portugal), and the Cyprus University of Technology. At its core is the development of a digital tool designed to guide students through nature-based exercises and reflective practices. Researchers believe even brief interactions with the natural world can have a lasting positive impact on psychological resilience and environmental responsibility.
The Healing Power of Nature, Amplified by Technology
The GreenTouch digital tool isn’t simply about sending students outdoors; it’s about fostering mindful engagement with their surroundings. The platform offers a series of interactive tasks, encouraging students to participate in activities like “Immersing in the Sounds of Nature” or “Exploring a Pleasant Natural Object.” These exercises are designed to promote self-awareness and observation, encouraging students to actively connect with their senses and the environment around them. The tool also incorporates a reflective journaling component, prompting students to document their experiences and insights.
“The idea is to provide students with accessible, evidence-based interventions that they can easily integrate into their daily routines,” explains Aija Ozola, a researcher at RSU’s Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy and a key figure in the GreenTouch project. “We want to empower them to proactively manage their well-being and cultivate a stronger sense of connection to the natural world.” Ozola emphasizes that Latvia’s abundant natural landscapes provide a unique advantage for implementing and studying these interventions.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Student Well-being
Beyond the digital tool, GreenTouch encompasses a broader range of activities. Researchers are conducting a study involving 2,000 students and academic staff across the four partner countries to assess the impact of nature-based interventions on mental health and sustainability attitudes. The project also includes the development of an e-course, “Ecological Thinking,” which will delve into the psychological underpinnings of environmental behavior and the principles of nature-based interventions. This course material will be made available to a wider audience in the spring semester of 2027 through a dedicated website.
To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, GreenTouch will facilitate international networking opportunities for students. These activities will provide a platform for students from different backgrounds to exchange ideas and best practices related to sustainability and well-being. The project’s findings will be disseminated through a multidisciplinary conference, bringing together researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field.
Students interested in participating in the pilot study for the digital tool are encouraged to contact Aija Ozola at aija[pnkts]ozola
rsu[pnkts]lv by April 30th. Participation involves seven sessions in nature – such as mindful walks or focused observation exercises – along with pre- and post-session questionnaires and reflective journaling in Microsoft Word.
The Role of Digital Innovation in Environmental Education
The integration of digital technology is a key component of GreenTouch. The project recognizes that technology can play a powerful role in enhancing access to nature-based interventions and promoting environmental awareness. By leveraging digital platforms, the project aims to reach a wider audience and provide students with personalized learning experiences. The e-course, for example, will utilize video presentations and interactive modules to engage students and facilitate deeper understanding of complex ecological concepts. More information about the project can be found on the RSU website.
“GreenTouch is a powerful step towards our vision of a strengthened connection with nature across diverse communities, supported by the combined power of nature and technology,” says Aija Ozola. “We believe that these interventions have a place not only in research and self-help but also in psychological counseling and healthcare practices.”
As the GreenTouch project progresses, its findings could offer valuable insights for universities and educational institutions seeking to prioritize student well-being and promote sustainability. The project’s emphasis on integrating nature-based interventions with digital tools represents a promising approach to addressing the complex challenges facing students today. The project is slated to continue for another year, with researchers anticipating further data and refinement of the digital tool and educational resources.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the role of nature and technology in promoting student well-being in the comments below.
