The International Society of Forest Therapy is holding the 6th International Congress “Forest and its Potential for Health”, from September 18 to 20, 2024, in the historic wellness resort town of Druskininkai, Lithuania, at unique “SPA Vilnius” Hotel nestled in the serene surroundings of Forest Wellness Park.
The congress is a significant global gathering bringing together leading experts, scientists, researchers from around the globe in the field of forest medicine, forestry, biomedicine, public health, climatology, phyto-pharmacy as well as forest therapy practitioners and tourism specialists.
The central objective of the congress is to present latest research findings on how forest ecosystem services contribute to the health and well-being of people and communities. Additionally, it serves as a platform to share exemplary case studies of the non-wood forest economy and the application of forest therapies in the fields of public health and nature-based tourism.
At the congress, the world’s most prominent experts in therapeutic forest tourism and public health confirmed their participation, such as Prof. Dr. Won Sop Shin (Chungbuk National University in Korea and Chair of the Korea Forest Therapy Forum), the most prominent practitioner of forest therapy Amos M. Clifford from USA (author of the book “Your Guide to Forest Bathing”, ANFT), Prof. Liisa Tyrvainen from Natural Resources Institute Finland, Alex Gesse, executive director, trainer and mentor at Forest Therapy Hub, Piotr Tryjanowski, prof., author of therapeutic ornithology, Nobel prize winner in the team, Poznan University, Poland, Dr. Katarzyna Simonienko, medical doctor, psychiatrist, ecotherapist, forest therapy guide, and the Vice President of the Polish Forest Bathing Association and other well known specialists who make this gathering a milestone in developing strategies and knowledge towards human health together with the health of nature.
We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and enthusiasts to join us for an enriching three days exploration of how forests contribute to our health and well-being.
Key themes will be: Forest Impact on Health and Forest Therapy practices; Non-Wood Economy and Nature-Based Tourism; Creation of Healing Forests (therapeutic forest environments); Forest Pedagogics and Nature Education; Sustainable Forest Management and Environmental Planning for Public Health.
The Congress will be an opportunity to engage with leading experts, share experiences, and be part of a global community dedicated to promote and develop the profound connection between forests and human health. Participants will be individuals and organizations interested in therapeutic use of forests; specialists working in health, wellness, ecotourism and forest management sectors; professionals, decision-makers, forest owners and managers, students in this field.
Questions and cooperation inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
