Senior researcher of LSFRI "Silava", Zane Lībiete participated in World Forum on Forest Therapy in Cheongju (Republic of Korea, South Korea) from 27–30 October.
Forest therapy is a scientifically grounded practice supported by extensive research, and its significance is rapidly increasing in today’s urbanized world. In South Korea, forest therapy has over 30 years of experience, with its institutionalization and integration into the healthcare system beginning in 2008. Currently, the country has 69 "healing forests", specifically designed for forest therapy programs.
During plenary sessions and three scientific sections, participants explored a wide range of research from South Korea, USA, Canada, and European countries, focusing on:
- The clinical effectiveness of forest therapy,
- Forest suitability and site design principles,
- Development of therapy programs and collaboration with the medical sector,
- Integration of forest therapy into healthcare systems.
Research of LSFRI "Silava" was presented as a poster "Forests for Wellbeing: Traditions, Practices and Perspectives from Latvia" (authors: Zane Lībiete, Edgars Jūrmalis, Ieva Kraukle, Linda Gerra-Inohosa). The poster compiled findings from four projects funded by the Latvian Council of Science:
- Impact of environment and management challenges in forest areas important for recreation in Latvia,
- Forest roads as multifunctional ecosystems: biodiversity, ecosystem services, and non-services,
- Forest management challenges under increased recreational pressure in the time of COVID-19 crisis,
- Evaluation of forest ecosystem services in Latvia.
Following the scientific sessions, participants attended a practical workshop to explore various forest therapy programs and infrastructure at the ArtFore Arboretum and one of the oldest healing forests in Jincheon.
The World Forum on Forest Therapy was attended by 350 participants from 35 countries.
Forest therapy is gradually developing in Latvia as well, with several certified forest therapy guides and therapists, and a dedicated forest therapy trail in an area managed by "Riga Forests" Ltd.
The opening of Forum opening and the poster presentation of LSFRI "Silava"
Forest therapy session and special infrastructure in Segwipo therapy forest