International Conference on Forest Therapy
Healing with Nature
Conference Dates: July 7-9, 2022
Background and objectives
Impacts of the COVID pandemic on well-being are widespread and varying. The underlying drivers of stress include social isolation, reduction of physical activity, and rapid and widescale changes to social and political realities. Forest Therapy has increased in prominence as an easily accessible and effective approach to managing and reducing the effects of these challenges. Given the increasing importance of forest therapy, the University of British Columbia in collaboration with partners is seeking to organize an International Conference on Forest Therapy. This 2-day event (with an optional third day for immersive practices) will include internationally-renowned forest therapy experts and will be organized according to three relevant themes.
Forest therapy is an emerging area of research that increasingly contributes to social and environmental needs at the global level. Over the last decades, a growing number of experts have been evaluating the therapeutic effects of forest-oriented stimulations and have found a wide range of benefits. Forest therapy is gaining ground as an accessible and reliable means to alleviate physiological and psychological conditions. In particular, over the last year forest therapy has been applied as a key approach to reducing pandemic-related stress. The practice of forest therapy has been gaining ground in countries all over the world, and policies are developing to advance its application in many areas of individual life.
Given the increasing importance of forest therapy, the University of British Columbia in collaboration with partners is seeking to organize an International Conference on Forest Therapy. This 2-day event (with an optionalthird day for immersive practices) will include internationally-renowned forest therapy experts and will be organized according to three relevant themes. Our major themes include:
i. Current Research in Forest Therapy: This session will be dedicated to discussing the most recent research on forest therapy’s impact on wellness. Topics will include physical and mental benefits derived from forest therapy, as well how it can facilitate connection to nature. This session will also provide overview of the latest applicable technology.
ii. Integration of Forest Therapy into Public Health Systems: This session will focus on how forest therapy can be integrated into public health systems. Topics for this theme will include existing
models, training and educating public health practitioners, and lessons learned from existing schemes.
iii. Forest Therapy Policy and Practice: This session will be dedicated to exploring best and novel practices for implementing forest therapy. Topics for this theme will include both financial and practical facets of regulating forest therapy initiatives, including business models, the role of guides and certification schemes.
This event will be hosted on July 7-8, 2022. We hope you are able to participate by sponsoring the event, participating as a speaker, or registering as an attendee. Please do not hesitate to follow up with any questions or concerns.
When: July 7 – 9, 2022
Where: Online via Zoom
About the Conference
Keynote Speakers
