“It wouldn't be the same without nature”—The value of nature according to Finnish upper secondary school students

ABSTRACT

This article describes an interview study on Finnish upper secondary school students' values of nature. Even if the Finnish adolescents' interest in nature has decreased, most of the interviewees in this study regarded nature as worthy of maintenance. They valued nature for its material, aesthetic, and recreational values, as well as its diversity and future value, and because of their holistic view of nature. The nature values of the students were complex. Therefore, we suggest education that supports their value development through deliberation, authentic involvement, and outdoor activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental education
• Finland
• relationship with nature
• sustainability
• upper secondary school students
• value of nature