Parks and nature play a vital role in the development of strong, cohesive communities. Check here for articles and research on the many ways contact with nature can help to build strong social and cultural connections around the world.

• 

  NPO Birth: Bringing people back to nature

  Japan's NPO Birth works to bring people together with nature in the green areas around cities.

  Read more
• Michael Pawlyn: Using nature in architecture

  Architect Michael Pawlyn speaks at TEDSalon about taking inspiration from nature to create new, environmentally sustainable environments.

  Read more
• Vertical Living Kids

  A research project in Melbourne, Australia explores how children living in high rise housing use the public space around their homes.

  Read more
• World Habitat Day 2010

  This year's United Nations World Habitat Day focused on how we can improve cities for the billion people living in urban poverty around the world.

  Read more
• Caring for Country

  Research into the connection that Victorian Aborigines have with their traditional land suggest that caring for Country projects could have significant health outcomes for these communities.

  Read more