Déficit de naturaleza, enfermedad del tercer milenio | Arturo Soto | TEDxAntofagasta

Nature Deficit Disorder

• Excessive technology use leads to "Nature Deficit Disorder," causing mental and physical health issues like social isolation, sensory loss, obesity, and heart problems.
• Richard Louv coined the term after researching and interviewing experts.

Solution from Antofagasta, Chile

• A young man from a disadvantaged background transformed his life through bodyboarding and a deep connection with nature.
• He learned to read and understand natural phenomena like wind patterns, ocean currents, tides, and lunar influences on the ocean.
• Arturo, a bodyboarder from Antofagasta, Chile, found solace and happiness in the ocean amidst personal struggles.
• He started a social work project teaching bodyboarding to vulnerable children, using the ocean for personal growth and empowerment.
• His work gained recognition, leading to an invitation to represent Chile in the world bodyboarding tour.
• Observing European countries' development, he realized his hometown's natural resource potential.
• Upon returning, he expanded his project with a larger school and better facilities.
• His student, Claudio, became his partner, recognizing their work's broader impact.

Collaboration with Universidad Católica

• They collaborated with the Universidad Católica and Professor Emilio Richi to develop an academic internship program to share their methodology.
• A pilot project took children out of their comfort zones into nature to learn essential life skills like critical thinking, teamwork, active listening, collaboration, empathy, and leadership.
• The project's success led to funding from a local company for expansion.

Importance of Connecting with Nature

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting children with nature to prevent desensitization and foster better human beings.
• People should recognize their natural resources' wealth and use them for a sustainable and diversified economy.