We live in an increasingly digital and urbanized world, detached from the natural environment that sustains us. This disconnection has severe consequences, not just for the planet but also for our mental well-being. Oliver Dauert, founder of Wildya, recognizes this link and has made it his mission to reconnect people with nature to address the biodiversity crisis and improve mental health.

During an insightful conversation on this week’s episode of "Nature Is", Oliver explains his theory of change: "If we can reconnect people to nature, we have a stronger bond to nature, more emotional attachment, makes it much harder to destroy because we actually start caring for it and hopefully we will start protecting it more, restoring it more."

The Wildya app aims to transform eco-anxiety into action by offering courses and daily actions inspired by nature. The motto "transform your eco-anxiety into action" encapsulates this powerful approach, providing an accessible entry point for individuals grappling with the overwhelming reality of environmental degradation.

But Wildya's mission extends beyond individual well-being; it also highlights the critical importance of biodiversity for businesses and the global economy. As Oliver emphasizes, "85% of the most valuable companies are dependent on nature to a severe extent. So if nature were to collapse, 85% of the most profitable businesses would collapse."

This sobering reality underscores the urgent need for businesses to prioritize nature-positive practices and move beyond mere sustainability towards active regeneration. Wildya's intersection of mental health and environmental conservation offers a unique opportunity for companies to support their employees' well-being while contributing to a vital cause.

For individuals, Dauert suggests starting small by incorporating nature into daily routines, even if it's spending only a few minutes observing a patch of wildflowers or a pigeon in the park. "Two hours in an entire week of nature can help you with your mental health," he notes, emphasizing the tangible benefits of reconnecting with the natural world.

Wildya's approach resonates deeply, reminding us that our well-being is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. By fostering a stronger emotional connection to nature, we can cultivate a sense of stewardship and take meaningful action to protect and restore the biodiversity upon which we all depend.

As Oliver and the Wildya community continue their important work, they serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that by addressing our collective eco-anxiety, we can transform it into a powerful force for positive change.

Find out more: Wildya