New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Initiative category

Identify the award category for which this initiative is being submitted
Reconnecting with nature

Email user
raffaele.guarino@hotmail.it

Basic information
Initiative title
Nature’s Embrace

Full initiative Title
Nature's Embrace: A Journey of Reconnection, Inclusion, and Sustainability for Well-Being

Please provide a short, catchy description of your initiative to be used in communication towards the public.
Nature's Embrace is a European project that aims to foster a deeper connection with the natural world in order to promote well-being, inclusion, and sustainability. The project invites participants on a journey of discovery and reconnection with nature through a variety of activities and experiences.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and gardening, as learning about sustainable living practices and conservation efforts. The proj

What was the geographical scope of your intiative?
Local

Where was your intiative implemented?
Member State(s) and Western Balkans
Italy

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
Region Campania, municipality of Benevento

Does your initiative address mainly urban or rural issues?
It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your initiative refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Has your initiative benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your initiative won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Does your initiative has a minimum level of maturity? The minimum level of maturity is exemplified by stakeholder/ initiative promoter commitment to implement the initiative in practice and a clear methodology /approach.
Yes

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As individual(s) in partnership with organisation(s)
If you are submitting this intiative as part of a group, please provide the contact details of the other individuals or organisations
- First name: Raffaele
  Last name: Guarino
  Gender: Male
  Please describe the type of organization(s) you work in partnership with: Non-governmental organization
  Nationality: Italy
  Function: Project manager
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Via Sant Angelo 292
  Town: Mirabella Eclano
  Postal code: 83036
  Country: Italy
  Direct Tel: +39 338 234 0985
  E-mail: raffaele.guarino@hotmail.it
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
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In case my initiative is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my initiative in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
Social Media

Description of the initiative
Please provide a summary of your initiative
Nature's Embrace is an innovative initiative that aims to foster a deeper connection with the nature to promote sustainability, inclusion, and well-being. This project is guided by the three main principles of the New European Bauhaus: participatory process, multi-level engagement, and a transdisciplinary approach.

The initiative invites participants on a journey of discovery and reconnection with nature through a variety of activities and experiences, including hiking, birdwatching, gardening, and learning about sustainable living practices and conservation efforts. These activities will take place in a variety of natural settings, including parks, forests, and gardens, in order to provide a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for participants to connect with nature.

One of the key goals of Nature's Embrace is to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all participants. The project is open to people of all ages and abilities, and accommodations will be made to ensure that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the activities.

In addition to the physical activities and experiences, Nature's Embrace also aims to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world, and to encourage participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Through workshops, lectures, and discussions, participants will learn about the numerous benefits that nature has for our mental and physical health, including stress reduction, improved mood, and increased feelings of calm and relaxation.

The initiative has demonstrated a high potential for transferability and replicability, as it can be easily adapted to different contexts and communities. It offers local solutions to global challenges, and has the potential to develop new competences, especially in relation to sustainability.
Nature's Embrace is an innovative and transformative initiative that has already shown promising results and impacts in terms of promotin

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with 5 key words.
Sustainability

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Inclusion

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Well-being

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Nature

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Connection

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of sustainability and how these have been/will be met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
One of the key objectives of Nature's Embrace is to promote sustainability in all of its activities and experiences. This includes incorporating principles of lifecycle thinking, regeneration, and preservation into all aspects of the project.

To achieve this objective, Nature's Embrace will focus on several key strategies. First, the initiative will educate participants about the importance of sustainability and the ways in which their daily actions can impact the environment. This will be done through workshops, lectures, and discussions on topics such as sustainable living practices and conservation efforts.

Second, Nature's Embrace will encourage participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives through hands-on experiences such as gardening and composting. By participating in these activities, participants will learn about the benefits of sustainable practices and be empowered to make positive changes in their own lives.

Finally, Nature's Embrace will prioritize sustainability in its operations and logistics, including by reducing waste and promoting the use of environmentally-friendly materials and resources.

Overall, the initiative aims to be exemplary in its commitment to sustainability by demonstrating the numerous ways in which individuals and communities can take action to protect and preserve the natural world. Through its focus on education, hands-on experiences, and sustainable operations, Nature's Embrace hopes to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world and to encourage participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
One of the key objectives of Nature's Embrace is to provide a high-quality and enjoyable experience for all participants, with a focus on aesthetics and the cultural and emotional benefits of connecting with nature.

To achieve this objective, Nature's Embrace has incorporated a number of design elements and activities that enhance the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of the natural settings in which the initiative takes place. This includes selecting locations that are visually stunning and culturally significant and incorporating elements such as native plants, artwork, and other design elements that enhance the overall experience for participants.

In addition to the physical design elements, Nature's Embrace also places a strong emphasis on creating meaningful and enriching experiences for participants. This includes offering a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and gardening that allow participants to fully engage with and appreciate the natural world. It also includes offering workshops, lectures, and discussions on topics such as the cultural and emotional benefits of nature, as well as the importance of sustainability and conservation.

Overall, the initiative aims to be exemplary in its focus on creating a high-quality and enjoyable experience for all participants, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics, cultural significance, and the emotional benefits of connecting with nature. Through its attention to design and the quality of experiences offered, Nature's Embrace hopes to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world and to encourage participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
One of the key objectives of Nature's Embrace is to promote inclusion in all of its activities and experiences. This includes ensuring accessibility and affordability for all participants, as well as incorporating inclusive governing systems and design principles.

To achieve this objective, Nature's Embrace has implemented a number of strategies. First, the initiative has made a conscious effort to keep participation fees affordable and to offer financial assistance to those who may need it. This includes offering sliding scale fees and scholarships to ensure that the program is accessible to a wide range of participants.

In addition to affordability, Nature's Embrace has also focused on ensuring physical accessibility for all participants. This includes making accommodations for individuals with disabilities and offering a range of activities that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Finally, Nature's Embrace has incorporated inclusive governing systems and design principles in all of its activities. This includes involving a diverse group of stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the initiative and ensuring that all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute and be heard.

Overall, the initiative aims to be exemplary in its commitment to inclusion by demonstrating the numerous ways in which individuals and communities can take action to promote accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. Through its focus on affordability, accessibility, and inclusive governance and design, Nature's Embrace hopes to inspire a greater sense of community and belonging for all those involved.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the initiative and civil society have been/will be involved in the initiative and what has been/will be the impact of this involvement on the initiative
Citizens benefiting from or affected by the initiative and civil society have been actively involved in Nature's Embrace from the very beginning. From the planning stages to the implementation of the initiative, a wide range of stakeholders have been engaged in order to ensure that the needs and perspectives of the community are taken into account.

One of the key ways in which citizens and civil society have been involved in the initiative is through a participatory planning process. This has included engaging with community members and organizations through surveys, focus groups, and other forms of consultation in order to gather input and feedback on the initiative. This input has been instrumental in shaping the design and direction of the initiative and has helped to ensure that it is responsive to the needs and interests of the community.

In addition to the participatory planning process, citizens and civil society have also been involved in the implementation of the initiative. This has included volunteering to lead and assist with activities, as well as providing valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement.

The involvement of citizens and civil society has had a number of impacts on the initiative. First and foremost, it has ensured that the initiative is responsive to the needs and interests of the community, and has helped to build a sense of ownership and engagement among participants. It has also fostered a sense of community and belonging, and has allowed the initiative to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise that exists within the community.

Overall, the involvement of citizens and civil society has been an integral part of the success of the Nature's Embrace initiative, and has had a positive impact on the initiative as a whole.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the initiative.
Nature's Embrace has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders at various levels in the design and implementation of the initiative. This has included local, regional, national, and European stakeholders, and has been an integral part of the project's success.

At the local level, Nature's Embrace has engaged with community members and organizations through surveys, focus groups, and other forms of consultation in order to gather input and feedback on the initiative. This has included engaging with local residents, businesses, and community groups, as well as with local government officials and other key stakeholders.

At the regional level, Nature's Embrace has engaged with regional organizations and stakeholders in order to build support and partnerships for the initiative. This has included engaging with regional governments and agencies, as well as with regional non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders.

At the national level, Nature's Embrace has engaged with national organizations and stakeholders in order to secure funding and other support for the initiative. This has included engaging with national governments and agencies, as well as with national non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders.

Finally, at the European level, Nature's Embrace has engaged with European organizations and stakeholders in order to promote the initiative and to seek out opportunities for collaboration and partnership. This has included engaging with European governments and agencies, as well as with European non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders.

Overall, the engagement of stakeholders at various levels has been an integral part of the success of the Nature's Embrace initiative, and has helped to build support and partnerships for the project. It has also helped to ensure that the initiative is responsive to the needs and interests of a wide range of stakeholders and that it is able to make a positive impact at multiple levels.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your initiative. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was
The design and implementation of the Nature's Embrace initiative has reflected a wide range of disciplines and knowledge fields, including environmental science, psychology, sociology, education, and design.Representatives of these different fields have interacted with each other in a number of ways in order to ensure that the initiative is well-rounded and comprehensive. This has included working together to develop and plan the various activities and experiences offered by the initiative, as well as to develop educational materials and resources.One of the key added values of this process has been the ability to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to address complex issues related to sustainability, inclusion, and well-being. By bringing together experts from a wide range of disciplines, the initiative has been able to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience to develop a more holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.In addition to the added value of interdisciplinary collaboration, the Nature's Embrace initiative has also benefited from the diversity of knowledge and expertise represented by its team of planners and facilitators. This has allowed the initiative to offer a wide range of activities and experiences that are engaging and meaningful for participants and has helped to ensure that the initiative can reach a diverse audience and make a positive impact on a wide range of individuals.

Please highlight the innovative character of the initiative, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the initiative
Nature's Embrace is an innovative initiative that stands out in the field of sustainability, inclusion, and well-being. One key way it is innovative is its focus on fostering a deeper connection with nature as a means of promoting these goals. This approach recognizes the importance of nature for individuals' mental and physical well-being, as well as the environment. Another innovative aspect is its use of a wide range of activities and experiences to engage participants in a journey of discovery and reconnection with nature. This includes activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and gardening, as well as educational workshops, lectures, and discussions. By offering a diverse range of activities and experiences, the initiative is able to appeal to a wide range of participants and provide opportunities for meaningful and enriching connections with nature. In addition, the initiative prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for all participants, including those with disabilities, and offers financial assistance. It also uses a participatory planning process and transdisciplinary approach to involve a wide range of stakeholders and knowledge fields in the design and implementation of the initiative. This helps ensure the initiative is responsive to the needs and interests of the community and able to draw on diverse expertise and perspectives.

Please describe which elements of your initiative could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and contexts. This may involve, for example, aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings, etc.
Nature's Embrace is an initiative that has several elements that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups, and contexts. One key aspect that could be replicated is its focus on fostering a deeper connection with nature to promote sustainability, inclusion, and well-being. This approach is innovative and could be adapted to many settings and communities. Participation in the initiative can also develop a range of skills and sustainability competencies in participants, such as knowledge of sustainable living practices and practical skills like gardening. A booklet showcasing the learnings and achievements of participants could illustrate these skills and competencies. Another element that could be replicated is the initiative's use of a variety of activities and experiences to engage participants in a journey of discovery and reconnection with nature. These could be adapted to different settings and communities. The initiative's participatory planning process and transdisciplinary approach, as well as its focus on inclusivity and accessibility, could also be replicated in other contexts.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your initiative.
The Nature's Embrace initiative uses a participatory planning process and transdisciplinary approach to involve a wide range of stakeholders and knowledge fields in its design and implementation. This approach is based on participatory democracy and seeks to address complex sustainability issues through multifaceted responses that draw on a variety of disciplines and sectors. The initiative also has an educational purpose, offering activities and experiences that engage participants in a journey of discovery and reconnection with nature, as well as educational workshops, lectures, and discussions. Overall, the methodology and approach of the initiative aim to involve a wide range of stakeholders and disciplines and provide opportunities for learning about and engaging with topics related to nature, sustainability, and well-being.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the initiative addresses by providing local solutions
The Nature's Embrace initiative addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions. One key global challenge that the initiative addresses is the need to promote sustainability and protect the natural environment. The initiative does this by fostering a deeper connection with nature as a means of promoting sustainability, inclusion, and well-being. By providing opportunities for individuals to experience and engage with nature, the initiative helps to raise awareness of the importance of nature and the need to protect it. In addition, the initiative promotes sustainable living practices and encourages participants to adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on the environment.

Another global challenge that the initiative addresses is the need to promote inclusion and accessibility for all individuals. By offering financial assistance and making accommodations for individuals with disabilities, the initiative helps to ensure that its programs are accessible to a wide range of individuals. This helps to promote inclusivity and reduce barriers to participation.

Overall, the Nature's Embrace initiative addresses global challenges such as sustainability and inclusion by providing local solutions that focus on fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting sustainable living practices, as well as ensuring accessibility for all individuals.

Please detail the scope of progress in the implementation of the initiative. This can include already demonstrated results/outputs related to the chosen Prizes category, and the already achieved benefits from the initiative for direct and indirect beneficiaries. This can also include a development plan of the initiative, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application, and including envisaged results and benefits from the initiative
Nature's Embrace initiative has made significant progress in its implementation since its launch. One key area of progress has been in the development and delivery of a wide range of activities and experiences that help participants to reconnect with nature and learn about sustainable living practices. These activities have included hiking, birdwatching, gardening, educational workshops, lectures, and discussions. Through these activities, the initiative has been able to engage a wide range of participants and provide them with opportunities to experience the emotional and cultural benefits of nature.

In terms of demonstrated results and outputs, the initiative has been successful in raising awareness of the importance of nature and promoting sustainable living practices among its participants. In addition, the initiative has received positive feedback from participants, who have reported feeling more connected to nature and more motivated to adopt sustainable behaviours as a result of their participation.

Looking forward, the initiative has several steps planned for the year following the application. These include expanding the range of activities and experiences offered, as well as increasing outreach and engagement with the community. The initiative also plans to continue to collect data on the results and impacts of its programs to better understand the benefits for participants and to inform future programming.

Overall, the Nature's Embrace initiative has made significant progress in its implementation, with a focus on engaging a wide range of participants in activities that foster a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable living practices. Looking forward, the initiative has several steps planned to continue to expand its reach and impact.

Please provide documents that demonstrate the maturity level of the initiative and commitment to implement the initiative in practice (e.g.: evaluation report, final or mid-term initiative report, certification, publications, building permit, grant agreement, letter of support, partnership agreement, etc.)
Web link
Web link
If relevant, please describe how your initiative contributes to developing new competences, especially in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability.
The Nature's Embrace initiative makes a significant contribution to the development of new competencies, especially in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability. Through a range of activities and experiences, as well as a participatory planning process and transdisciplinary approach, the initiative helps to develop a range of sustainability-related competencies in participants, including knowledge, understanding, and practical skills.

The initiative aligns with the Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition and sustainable development, which calls on Member States to prioritize learning for the green transition and sustainable development in education and training policies and programs and to provide all learners with opportunities to learn about the climate crisis and sustainability. The initiative also aligns with the European competence framework on sustainability, which defines four competence groups related to sustainability that should be acquired by learners of all ages. These competence groups include embodying sustainability values, embracing complexity in sustainability, acting for sustainability, and envisioning sustainable futures.

Overall, the Nature's Embrace initiative contributes to the development of new competencies in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability by providing opportunities for participants to learn about and engage with topics related to sustainability, and by fostering the development of knowledge, understanding, and practical skills related to sustainability.
Please attach at least 6 high resolution images or visual representations of your initiative to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below.
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By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed initiative has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the initiative and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their initiatives, initiative, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted initiative, initiative is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes