Exploring the Impact of a Naturalist Training Camp on Biodiversity Conservation Willingness and Mental Well‐Being

ABSTRACT Engaging the public in naturalist activities has been identified as a promising approach to enhancing conservation awareness and improving mental well‐being; however, empirical evidence supporting this relationship remains limited. This study aimed to explore the impact of a naturalist training camp on participants' conservation attitudes and mental well‐being. The 9‐day camp, organized by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), focused on increasing participants' knowledge, social connectedness, and naturalist identity through a combination of indoor lectures and outdoor fieldwork on plants, insects, reptiles, and birds. Each session was led by expert researchers and science communicators. A mixed‐methods approach was used to assess the camp's effects on 26 participants through questionnaires administered before, immediately after, and 6 months post‐camp, as well as phone interviews. Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in participants' knowledge of biodiversity, social connectedness, perceived naturalist identity, and mental well‐being, although changes in conservation attitudes were not statistically significant. Qualitative data further supported these findings, indicating that enhanced conservation willingness and mental well‐being were likely influenced by increased knowledge, social connectedness, and perceived naturalist identity. Interview responses highlighted the importance of the camp's unique environment, supportive atmosphere, and the professionalism of the instructors in contributing to its success. Overall, this study underscores the value of promoting public engagement in naturalist activities as a means of addressing both biodiversity loss and mental health challenges while also advocating for ecological civilization to enhance human and environmental well‐being.