People and Parks Environment Trust

The People and Parks Environment Trust is a charitable public trust administered by the People and Parks Foundation, established to advance environmental education, research, and conservation. Preliminary program evaluation indicated notable improvements in participant wellbeing. In 2023 24, the Trust, via its trustee, collaborated with governments, health providers, philanthropists, schools, community groups, and Traditional Owners to develop and deliver projects and programs. These initiatives focused on fostering connections between people and nature, promoting the health benefits of nature engagement, protecting and restoring culturally significant landscapes, enhancing infrastructure, and conserving natural ecosystems. Our programs included Live NatureWise, which encouraged people to enhance their health and wellbeing through Nature Dosing spending time in nature. Key subprograms included: #NaturePact, a community engagement campaign promoting nature connection; NatureWise at School, raising awareness in schools about the benefits of nature engagement; and NatureScripts, developed in partnership with headspace Shepparton, which supported vulnerable youth experiencing mental health challenges through structured naturebased activities with coaching and mentoring to enhance wellbeing. Our projects included: Prom Sanctuary, a partnership with Parks Victoria addressing climate change impacts and supporting Wilsons Promontory National Park to serve as a coolclimate refuge for endangered species and biodiversity; Ponnun Pulgi, a partnership with Traditional Owners to rebury exposed Ancestors and protect sacred resting places; Moonah Woodland Community Restoration, focused on restoring Moonah Woodlands on the Mornington Peninsula; and Chelsea Australian Garden, Olinda, supported through maintenance and promotion to provide the public with opportunities to experience and benefit from nature.