Can a bushwalk help us heal from climate-related trauma? These forest therapists say yes

Forest Therapy: Connecting with Nature for Sustainable Well-being

Introduction

Every day on his morning walk, Phil Stubbs stands still for at least 10 minutes. He notices the thud of a grey kangaroo bouncing, the fairy wrens darting across the path, or the common blue-tail damselfly zipping through air that he says tastes like eucalyptus. The resident from Congo on the New South Wales south coast is practicing forest therapy.

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest therapy, or forest bathing, is the therapeutic practice of immersing the senses in nature often with the help of a guide. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, it is becoming increasingly popular in other countries with scientists studying its health benefits and accredited courses for practitioners.

The Benefits of Forest Therapy

“We need nature to feel whole and human,” Phil says. Forest therapy helps individuals reconnect with nature, reduce stress, and improve mental and physical well-being.

The Role of Guides

Phil became a certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) guide in Australia to help participants focus on engaging their senses during forest therapy sessions.

Economic and Health Potential

Forest therapy has untapped economic potential as it can be used at corporate events, for rehabilitation, at nursing homes, and as an eco-tourism attraction. ANFT director Jackie Kuang emphasizes the health benefits of forest therapy, including mental health improvement, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, and decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Using Forest Therapy for Climate-Induced Trauma

Forest therapy can also help individuals deal with trauma caused by climate-related disasters. Phyllis Look, founder of Forest Bathing Hawaii, uses forest therapy to help survivors and firefighters cope with trauma. The practice helps re-establish a sense of connection to a place damaged by disaster and promotes healing.

Conclusion

Forest therapy offers a powerful tool for individuals to reconnect with nature, improve their well-being, and cope with trauma. As we face various challenges, whether they be digital spaces, natural disasters, or pandemics, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and find ways to take care of ourselves.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the health benefits of forest therapy, including mental health improvement and stress reduction. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the potential economic benefits of forest therapy, such as using it as an eco-tourism attraction. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article highlights the use of forest therapy to help people deal with trauma caused by climate-related disasters, such as wildfires. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

The article mentions that forest therapy can benefit mental health and reduce stress. This aligns with Target 3.4, which focuses on promoting mental health and well-being.

Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

The article discusses the use of forest therapy as a way to reconnect with nature and the potential economic benefits of establishing forest therapy centers. This relates to Target 11.7, which aims to provide universal access to green and public spaces.

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

The article highlights the use of forest therapy to help individuals deal with trauma caused by climate-related disasters. This connects to Target 13.1, which focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease

The article does not explicitly mention this indicator, but it implies that forest therapy can contribute to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by promoting mental health and well-being.

Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age and persons with disabilities

The article does not mention this indicator directly, but it suggests that forest therapy can provide inclusive and accessible green spaces for people to reconnect with nature.

Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population

The article does not mention this indicator explicitly, but it implies that forest therapy can help individuals cope with trauma caused by climate-related disasters, potentially reducing the negative impacts on mental health and well-being.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: abc.net.au

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