Overview
Research results showing that
"the variety of organism types (species diversity)" itself directly contributes to human happiness, not just "having a lot of greenery," are increasing.
Recent large-scale epidemiological surveys have shown that environments with diverse plants and birds have higher subjective well-being (SWB) than monotonous green spaces.
Theoretical Background
From "Quantity of Green" to "Quality"
Conventional environmental psychology and epidemiological research mainly looked at correlations between NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index = amount of green) from satellite images and health indicators.
However, since the 2010s, research combining biodiversity data has been conducted based on the hypothesis that "even with the same amount of green, higher quality (more diverse) nature may be more effective?"
Detailed Explanation
European Quality of Life Survey Analysis (Methorst et al., 2021)
This was a groundbreaking discovery by the research team at Germany's Kiel University mentioned above.
Analyzing "Quality of Life (QOL)" data from over 35,000 people across 26 European countries, the following facts emerged:
- Birds are Indicators of Happiness
Increased bird species richness in residential areas strongly correlated with increased subjective life satisfaction.
- Comparison with Economic Effects
The increase in happiness from "10% more bird species diversity" was roughly equivalent to the increase from "10% more household income."
- Plants and Mammals
No significant correlation was found with mammal diversity (presumably because they are nocturnal and less visible).
Sheffield UK Study (Fuller et al., 2007)
A study matching interviews with urban park users and actual biological surveys.
- Users rated psychological refresh effects (Reflection/Restoration) higher in green spaces with more plant species.
- Interestingly, users were not accurately aware of the exact number of species, but intuitively perceived "this place feels rich somehow," and that had the positive effect.
Critical Examination
Direction of Causation
The confounding factor problem always exists: "Aren't areas with high diversity often upscale residential areas, and residents are happy just because of higher EQ and income?"
The latest research statistically adjusts for income and safety, but complete elimination is difficult.
The "Creepy Creature" Problem
As diversity increases, insects that are unpleasant to humans (bees, caterpillars, etc.) may also increase. For people with allergies or phobias, increased diversity may work negatively (Ecosystem Disservices).
IKIMON's Contribution
IKIMON maximizes "happiness through biodiversity" and promotes coexistence with nature.
- Rediscovering Diversity: By naming and visualizing "diversity" that we usually overlook, we create opportunities for users to experience the richness of their region.
- Positive Understanding: Even disliked insects can be reframed as "interesting neighbors" through beautiful photos and ecological explanations.
References
- Methorst, J., et al. (2021). The importance of species diversity for human well-being in Europe. Ecological Economics.
- Fuller, R. A., et al. (2007). Psychological benefits of greenspace increase with biodiversity. Biology Letters.
