wildbound

WildBound is an innovative sustainability education and consulting venture founded in 2017. Through nature-immersive learning expeditions, sustainability consulting, and nature inspired public communication projects, WildBound aims to inspire sustainability leadership from youth to business and policy leaders to the general public.

We envision a world where humans can live in harmony with nature. With our core framework of inner and outer regeneration, WildBound cultivates a new generation of leaders for our planet. In collaboration with internationally renowned scientists, educators, practitioners and artists, we build a vibrant and diverse “sustainable forest”, promoting resilience and innovation in the transition to a more sustainable world.

What We Believe ?

We believe that by reconnecting with nature and fostering a more balanced relationship within the web of life, we can address many of the fundamental issues we face today. WildBound is dedicated to creating experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities to live harmoniously with nature, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for all.

Our Mentors and Guides

Over the past year, our deeper exploration and practical application of theories and tools have unfolded along three major directions. Firstly, we delved into deep ecology and The Work that Reconnects, spearheaded primarily by Joanna Macy. Secondly, we embraced the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, intertwining mindfulness practice with climate action through the book and course “Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet.” Lastly, we immersed ourselves in the systems thinking and Theory U frameworks from the MIT Sloan School of Management, stemming from the research of Dr. Peter Senge and Dr. Otto Scharmer. Beyond these, we drew inspiration from the universal archetypes of traditional cultures and indigenous wisdom, reconnecting with the wisdom of our body, as a small part of the larger cosmos.

#1
Deep Ecology and the Work that Reconnects​

Deep Ecology, a term coined by Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess, critiques contemporary environmental movements for prioritizing human welfare over the inherent value of all species. This philosophy advocates for the recognition and protection of each species for its own sake, promoting a deep commitment to the nourishment of ecosystems. Joanna Macy’s practical framework, The Work that Reconnects, facilitates intimate connections with the natural world, encouraging participants to confront their pain and despair, ultimately fostering a renewed sense of hope and perspective across deep time and future generations.

#2
Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet

Thich Nhat Hanh introduced the concept of Interbeing, highlighting our inseparable connections with all beings on Earth. Our healing is inherently linked to the Earth’s healing; thus, advocating for environmental issues becomes a form of self-care. In his book, Love Letters to the Earth, he merges mindfulness practices with nature, teaching that we must embody the spirit of a meditator, artist, and warrior to effectively address today’s environmental challenges. Through mindfulness practices like meditation and deep listening, we can cultivate clarity, creativity, and courage to tackle pressing issues.

#3
Theory U and
Systems Thinking

While reconnecting with nature and tending to our emotions is vital, understanding our role within larger systems is equally crucial. Pioneers like Peter Senge and Otto Scharmer from MIT explore how organizations learn and how outdated mindsets can hinder change. By deepening our listening and embodied awareness, we learn to view ourselves as integral parts of these systems, fostering open-mindedness and a commitment to making meaningful contributions.

#4
Indigenous Wisdom and Story of Place

The insights from deep ecology, mindfulness, and systems thinking are rooted in various wisdom traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous knowledge of intergenerational thinking. By incorporating Indigenous practices and archetypes during our retreats, we enhance our understanding of ourselves and our ecosystems, allowing us to honor historical lessons and strengthen our connections to the land.

#5
the Way out is in,
the Way in is out

Recognizing that each individual is a complex being, we often present successful facades while internally navigating emotional landscapes filled with challenges. Engaging with environmental and social issues can exacerbate these unexamined emotions, underscoring the importance of our inner well-being for true peace and happiness. Mindful practices and nature connection exercises enable us to explore and process these emotions, leading to a sense of ease and interconnectedness. By acknowledging the interdependence of all beings, we foster a deeper commitment to healing both ourselves and the Earth, realizing that caring for our environment is intrinsically linked to our personal growth.

#6
Regenerative Mindset

Embracing a regenerative mindset invites us to see ourselves as active participants in a dynamic and interconnected web of life. This perspective encourages us to shift from a purely extractive model to one that emphasizes restoration and renewal. By cultivating awareness of our relationships with the environment and each other, we can foster resilience, adaptability, and creativity, ultimately transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and healing.

#7
Donut Economics

Donut Economics, developed by Kate Raworth, challenges traditional economic models by advocating for a balanced approach that meets human needs while respecting planetary boundaries. This framework encourages us to rethink success beyond mere financial gain, promoting sustainability and equity. By integrating this model into our practices, we aim to foster a thriving society that nurtures both people and the planet, ensuring a just and sustainable future.

#8 
Awareness-Based Learning

Awareness-based learning emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and presence in educational practices. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and the surrounding environment, we enhance our capacity for critical reflection and deeper understanding. This approach not only enriches our learning experiences but also empowers individuals to act thoughtfully and compassionately, fostering a culture of care and responsibility towards the planet and one another.

#9
Ancestor Wisdom

Drawing on the wisdom of our ancestors allows us to reconnect with time-honored practices and values that have sustained communities for generations. By honoring these traditions and integrating them into our current frameworks, we can learn from historical lessons about resilience, stewardship, and harmony with nature. This ancestral perspective enriches our understanding of ecological relationships, guiding us toward a more sustainable and just future.
You are nature, you can be empowered to act for nature, as nature takes care of you. We hope to spend more time in the future immersing in these ancient yet timely wisdoms and let them guide us in our practice and actions in the world, and we want to invite you on our journey.

Meet the Team

Since 2017, WildBound has organized over 10 learning expeditions to the Antarctic, the Arctic (Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard) and the Himalayas (Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet). In 2017, WildBound’s founder Songqiao Yao participated in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in China. In 2018, WildBound supported the China Tourism Association in drafting environmental guidelines for Chinese Tourism to Antarctica. Along with WWF, Greenpeace China and Greenovation Hub, WildBound initiated the China Polar Protection and Action Network, involving policy makers, academics, travel agents and NGOs to collaborate on advancing China’s participation in a sustainable future for the polar regions.

At WildBound, we excel in designing transformative experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other, and the natural world. Through these connections, we foster a sense of unity with our ancestors and future generations. By reconnecting with ourselves, we aim to bring well-being to individuals in our currently separated world and amplify the voices of non-human species and perspectives. This approach seeks to establish a more equal and balanced relationship within the web of life, addressing the fundamental causes of many of our issues. At the same time, it brings well-being and acts as a peace offering to the future.

Songqiao YAO

Founder and Chief Explorer

Songqiao Yao is the founder of WildBound, an innovative social enterprise that facilitates experiential education, climate actions, and artistic expression to cultivate sustainability leadership and systems change. Songqiao is also a mindfulness-based coach in training and supports personal and team developments for climate leaders and organizations. Since 2015, Songqiao has participated and led over 16 learning expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Arctic and the Himalayas. Prior to founding WildBound, Songqiao was the first Chinese participant and faculty member for Homeward Bound, the largest all-female science and leadership expedition to Antarctica. She is a researcher, activist, and entrepreneur on environmental issues in China and globally. Over the past 10 years, she has led and advised youth climate organizations and projects, worked to conserve China’s rivers as a National Geographic Global Explorer, and consulted on agriculture development projects in Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. In 2024, Songqiao became the first Chinese woman member of the Club of Rome. Songqiao received a Master of Philosophy in Geography from the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar and a Master of Business from the University of Oxford as the first Skoll Scholar from China. She graduated summa cum laude from Mount Holyoke College.

Faye Mingyi LU

Chief Impact Officer

Faye Mingyi LU is the Chief Impact Officer at WildBound and co-founder of CELU Studio, an international art and design studio focused on addressing environmental issues through art and technology. She was the Deputy Secretary-General of China Youth Climate Change Action Network (CYCAN) and launched Work for Good, a sustainable employment platform for young people. She initiated nationwide research and action on bird collisions in China, in order to help protect biodiversity in cities. In 2019, she traveled by retracing the early human migration route, starting in East Africa and moving through North Africa, Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. Along the route, she made a documentary and art pieces recording the impact of climate change, as well as possible solutions. Her works have been exhibited in the London Art Pavilion and Beijing UCCA art center. Prior to that, Faye worked as vice president of New Hope Group Southeast Asia headquarters. She has three master’s degrees in financial management, business, and development economics.

Heran GAO

Sustainability Education Lead

Heran has over 10 years of work experience in the environmental field including NGO river campaign, environmental policy research, green investment and nature capital, as well as nature education and ecovillages. She started the Earth Village Nature school, a nature education program to link urbran to rural. She lives in the mountainous regions in Northern Beijing in a small zero-waste/artist/Waldorf community. Partnering with domestic and international education organization, Heran has been offering teacher-training programs, family weekend nature experience, short and long-term environmental trips for schools and public groups. Heran studied Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation in Germany and had a Master’s degree in Finnish language and literature from Helsinki University. A mother of two, Heran has over 80,000 followers on Douban, and speaks English, Finnish, German and French in addition to her native Chinese language.

Jingwei HU

Brand and Youth Engagement Lead

Hu Jingwei bridges environmental advocacy and youth empowerment with a background in Environmental Engineering (BSc) and International Environmental Law (MSc). At WildBound, she leads brand communications and oversees the New Youth Project, channeling her passion for socio-ecological justice into actionable pathways. Previously with the China Youth Climate Action Network (CYCAN), Hu coordinated the International Youth Summit on Energy and Climate Change (IYSECC), led youth delegations to the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP), and pioneered tools for youth-driven low-carbon consumption. With a career rooted in youth climate advocacy, Hu is driven by the power of collective learning and co-creation, finding joy in empowering young changemakers to navigate the complex landscape of climate challenges.

Lynn Shuyi SHEN

Youth Empowerment and Research Lead

Lynn is a content contributor to WildBound’s youth and education branch. Shape-shifting as an activist-educator-researcher, Lynn has a decade of experience in youth empowerment around socio-ecological justice and community organizing. Lynn worked with WildBound as a coordinator for the Changemakers for Nature (C4N) program and led an effort to create the C4N Toolkit. She is the lead facilitator for the New Youth program and co-author of the upcoming New Youth Report. As a member of the Miao ethnic minority descent raised in urban China, Lynn also works with youths in ethnic minority autonomous regions, especially in Hunan Province. In her work with PEER, an education NGO, she worked as an on-site fellow at rural high schools, localizing the SDGs through community-oriented youth actions. Lynn holds a BA in Environmental Studies in Nature, Culture, and History from Mount Holyoke College. Starting in the fall of 2024, Lynn is pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Environmental Policy, hoping to bring unnoticed currents of the environmental decision-making process to the surface.