Its aim is to educate Forests for Health practitioners using an innovative training programme developed by experts from the forest and health sectors. This training programme will integrate the expertise of professionals working in the area of forests and human health in different countries throughout Europe. All activities connected with the programme will have a deep respect for the natural environment. It will foster nature connectedness, an awareness of the impact of contact with nature on wellbeing, and recognition of the value of Sustainable Forest Management among its trainees.

The project has been developed based on two observations:

1. The first observation, relating to Health. Some countries have begun to organise forest health sessions to educate the general public on how they can "reconnect" physically and psychologically with the natural environment. To date, the majority of these programmes have not been grounded in empirical science and many have been implemented without an understanding of, or respect for, preserving and conserving the natural environment. This is of major concern in light of the increasing interest in sylvotherapy and Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) and the need to protect biodiversity in the current climate emergency. At present many practices are taking place in unadapted forests and/or without adhering to the rules and regulations of the forest environment and its requirements.

    

2. The second observation, relating to Sustainable Forest Management. Today in Europe, 80% of the population live in cities. Empirical data indicate that urbanicity is associated with an increased risk of both clinical depression and occupational burn-out. According to the ecologist Robert Michael Pyle, due to rapid urbanisation people can also struggle to know how to be in, and what to expect from, the natural environment. As a result of a recent surge in awareness among the general population of the need to protect natural spaces, many people perceive the forest as the last refuge of wild nature. Therefore, some people prioritise forests as places to be respected, protected, and above all preserved. This position however is in direct conflict with the harvesting of trees which is necessary for sustainable forest management. We note that countries such as Ireland, Austria, Sweden, Germany, and Spain have eco-therapists or silvicultural guides who facilitate people to fully utilise the health benefits of forest environments. A well-known example is the development of the practice of “Forest Bathing”. UNECE has also discussed the best ways of bringing the public closer to the forest by taking account of changes in society (Building Bridges between People and Forests FAO/ECE/ILO Joint Committee on Forest Technology, Management, and Training).
   
   

To respond to these findings, this project will train qualified Forests for Health practitioners who will be able to build bridges between the health and forestry sectors. The Forests for Health practitioners will train in an innovative area that combines forest knowledge and human health. This training programme will enhance the credibility and professionalisation of Forests for Health practitioners in Europe, leading to more inclusive, safe, and comprehensive practices in the forest environment.

Promoter:

CENTRE FORESTIER région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (France) Forestry training, SFM.

Partners:

- BFW (Austria), Experience in ecotherapy Austrian research centre for forests.

- CTFC (Spain) Contribute to the modernisation and competitiveness of the forest sector, rural development and sustainable management of the environment.

- INVERDE (Belgium) Leader in the field of forestry, nature and green training.

- KEA Ecotherapy (France) Forest therapy consulting.

- KWF (Germany) German Centre for Forest Work and Technology.

- SELVENS (Spain) NGO’s People taking care of forests, forests taking care of people.

- SCUOLA AGRARIA DEL PARCO DI MONZA (Italy) Horti-therapy.

- Crann, Trees for Ireland: Diarmuid McAree , Director Forestry Consultant & Advisor, Vice Chairman of the UNECE/FAO  Team of Specialists on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector.(Joint UNECE/FAO/ILO Expert Network).

- Pan Bern AG Suisse: Andreas Bernasconi, Dr. sc. tech. Leader of the UNECE/FAO-Team of Specialists on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector. Partner of the Swiss research-network “Forest and Health”, Innovation action leader (case study) within the Horizon 2020-programme SINCERE.

- PEFC France: Paul-Emmanuel HUET Director. PEFC certifies the sustainable management of forests in 51 countries around the world.