The Role of Nature-Based Schools in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Preliminary Study and Literature Review

Integrating environmental education into formal schooling systems is crucial for fostering sustainable development and ecological stewardship. Nature-based schools, which incorporate outdoor learning and ecological principles into their curricula, are emerging as significant contributors to environmental sustainability and student development. This preliminary study aims to investigate the role of nature-based schools in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15). This research employs a comprehensive literature review and initial case studies to examine the educational methodologies in schools, their environmental impacts, and community outcomes associated with nature-based schools. The findings suggest that nature-based schools enhance students' environmental literacy, physical well-being, and social-emotional development manifested from a stronger sense of community. Nature- based schools hold significant potential for contributing to several SDGs by promoting holistic education and connection with the natural world. These outcomes support the broader sustainability objectives envisioned by the SDGs. The need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies and expanded case analyses, is stressed to further validate these findings and explore the scalability of nature-based education in diverse socio- economic contexts.