Forests, trees and human health and well-being

 

Summary

Traditional medical and public health approaches to illness and health have been one of the successes of modern science. However European society today is faced with increasing incidences of poor health, related to modern lifestyles, that cannot be addressed by medicine alone. Contributing factors have been identified as an increasingly sedentary population, increasing levels of mental stress related to urban living and contemporary work practices, and hazardous environments e.g. air pollution. Natural spaces and natural elements such as forests and trees have been seen as providing opportunities to ameliorate such trends.

Research objectives

The main objective of the COST Action is to increase the knowledge about the contribution that forests, trees and natural places make, and might make, to the health and well-being of people in Europe.

There are five working groups:

WG1 - Physical and mental health and well-being
WG2 - Forest products, forest environment and health
WG3 - Therapeutic aspects including rehabilitation and outdoor education
WG4 - Evaluation in terms of best practice and economic contribution
WG5 - Physical activity, well-being and prevention of illness.

Funders and partners

This programme is funded by the European Union - COST action E39

Forest Research involvement

Liz O'Brien of the Social Research Group is a member of the management committee for this Action and is also a member of Working Group 3.

Background

Sustainable development and sustainable forest management have three dimensions: social, economic and environmental. Human health is an important component of the social dimension. It is mentioned explicitly in international processes to which European countries have committed themselves, including:

• UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development)
• MCPFE (Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe).

Status

The programme commenced in 2004 and completion is scheduled for 2008.

Contact

Liz O'Brien
Forest Research
Social and Economic Research Group
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey
GU10 4LH

EU contact

Chair of the Management Committee: Kjell Nilsson
The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark
Email: kjni@kvl.dk

Vice Chair of the Management Committee: Marcus Sangster
Forestry Commission
Email: marcus.sangster@forestry.gsi.gov.uk