About BIO-WELL
We have known for a long time that being outdoors in nature can influence our health and wellbeing. However, while interacting with nature can change our wellbeing, we know very little about the specific role biodiversity plays.
That is why BIO-WELL, the biodiversity and human wellbeing scale, was developed. BIO-WELL is a set of 17 questions that allow us to quantify the effect that biodiversity has on people’s wellbeing. The questions ask individuals to consider their wellbeing in relation to specific metrics and attributes of biodiversity, including the variety of species, behaviours, colours, shapes, textures, sounds and smells. The responses they provide relate to physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual wellbeing.
Using BIO-WELL, researchers, practitioners and decision-makers, such as land managers and public health professionals can measure and monitor how biodiversity impacts our wellbeing. It can be used in many different contexts. For example, it could be used to track the progress of nature-based health interventions, or to understand how habitat restoration efforts benefit the wellbeing of visitors.
BIO-WELL is free for anyone to use and has now been translated into more than 30 languages. It has been validated for use both ex situ and in situ. The wording of BIO-WELL is flexible so it can be adjusted to suit your needs.