The sense of connection with nature among leaders of thematic villages in Eastern Poland
Poczucie więzi z naturą wśród liderów wiosek tematycznych w Polsce Wschodniej

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals engaged in the development of thematic villages experience a sense of connectedness to nature. The research was conducted in 13 thematic villages located in three voivodships of Eastern Poland: the Podlaskie Voivodship, the Lubelskie Voivodship, and the Podkarpackie Voivodship. To assess connectedness to nature, the CNS (Connectedness to Nature Scale) questionnaire was applied and completed by 57 individuals involved in the establishment and management of thematic villages. Demographic factors differentiating the results were also analysed. High CNS scores obtained by the respondents indicate a strong bond with nature. No statistically significant differences in the level of connectedness to nature were observed between women and men. Such differences were, however, identified between age groups – the mean CNS scores for the 29–44 and 45–59 age groups differed significantly. A strong attachment to nature among leaders and animators of thematic villages not only enriches their personal experiences but also fosters the development of sustainable tourism practices that promote environmental protection and ecological education. The findings highlight that connectedness to nature is universal in character and constitutes an important factor in the development of tourism initiatives within the context of rural tourism.

• Details
• Contents