This project progresses work that began in Geneva as part of the Think Tank on Green Jobs in the forest sector (Team of Specialists on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector - Joint UNECE/FAO/ILO Expert Network).
Its aim is to train “Forests For Health Coaches” through a European Partnership (supported by respected medical practitioners) using a standardised training programme developed by experts from the forest sector. This training programme will integrate the expertise of professionals working in the area of forests and human health in different countries throughout Europe. All activities connected with the programme will have a deep respect for the natural environment. It will foster nature connectedness, an awareness of the impact of contact with nature on wellbeing and an awareness of sustainable forest management among its trainees.
- 1st observation (Therapy aspect):
Some countries have begun to organise forest therapy sessions and other therapeutic practices related to natural environments. These are aimed at the general public with the idea that they can "reconnect" physically and psychologically with the natural environment. To date such programmes have not been grounded in empirical science and many have been implemented without an understanding of, or respect for, preserving and conserving the natural environment. This is of major concern in light of the burgeoning interest in sylvotherapy and Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) and the need to protect biodiversity in the current climate emergency. At present many practices are taking place in un-adapted forests and/or without adhering to the rules and regulations of the forest environment and its requirements.
-2nd observation (SFM awareness):
Today in Europe, 80% of the population live in cities. Empirical data indicate that urbanicity is associated with an increased risk of both clinical depression and occupational burn-out. According to the ecologist Robert Michael Pyle, due to rapid urbanisation people can also struggle to know how to be in and what to expect from the natural environment.
As a result of a recent surge in awareness among the general population of the need to protect natural environments, many people perceive the forest as the last refuge of wild nature. Therefore, some people prioritise forests as places to be respected, protected, and above all preserved. This position however is in direct conflict with the harvesting of trees which is necessary for sustainable forest management.
We note that countries such as Ireland, Austria, Sweden, Germany and Spain have eco-therapist or silvicultural guides who facilitate people to fully utilise the health benefits of forest environments. A well-known example is the development of the practice of “Forest Bathing”. UNECE has also discussed the best ways of bringing the public closer to the forest by taking account of changes in society (Building Bridges between People and Forests JOINT FAO/ECE/ILO Committee on Forest Technology, Management and Training - see document attached). To respond to these findings, this project will train qualified Forest Coaches with dual skills in Forest Ecotherapy and Sustainable Forest Management [SFM]. These Forest Coaches can raise awareness among the general public of the multiple roles of forests and their health and restorative benefits. This training programme will enhance the credibility and professionalisation of Forest Coaches in Europe, leading to more inclusive, safe, and comprehensive practices in the forest environment.
The Centre Forestier project brings together forestry training centres specialising in education and communication, as well as in sustainable forest management, and Institutes with expertise in forest bathing/forest ecotherapy. This symbiotic partnership will ensure the quality and sustainability of the project long after its completion.
The main idea is to create a new training course on forest ecotherapy and SFM which will be created building on the experiences of all the partners. The partnership will develop 6 Intellectual Outputs, built on the experience acquired with the Erasmus+ Project Forestry EduTrainer1:
- IO1 Competence standard
- IO2 Training standard
- IO3 Training course
- IO4 Distance learning platform
- IO5 Design of the training courses for experimental training
- IO6 Method to issue and disseminate a certificate of competence
The partnership will be composed of:
Promoter: CENTRE FORESTIER région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (France) Forestry training, SFM
Partners:
· BFW (Austria), Experience in ecotherapy Austrian research centre for forests.
· CTFC (Spain) Contribute to the modernisation and competitiveness of the forest sector, rural development and sustainable management of the environment.
· FOREST THERAPY INSTITUTE (Ireland) Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy training.
· INVERDE (Belgium) Leader in the field of forestry, nature and green training.
· KEA Ecotherapy (France) Forest therapy consulting.
· KWF (Germany) German Centre for Forest Work and Technology.
· SELVENS (Spain) NGO’s People taking care of forests, forests taking care of people.
· SCUOLA AGRARIA DEL PARCO DI MONZA (Italy) Horti-therapy.
In addition, an advisory committee will be set up, made up of experts with skills directly related to the focus of the project:
· Crann- Trees for Ireland, Diarmuid McAree, Director, Forestry Consultant & Advisor, Vice Chairman of the UNECE/FAO Team of Specialists on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector(Joint UNECE/FAO/ILO Expert Network), COST action advisor.
· Pan Bern AG (Suisse) Andreas Bernasconi, Dr. sc. tech. Leader of the UNECE/FAO-Team of Specialists on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector, Partner of the Swiss research-network “Forest and Health”, Innovation action leader (case study) within the Horizon 2020-programme SINCERE
· PEFC France, Paul-Emmanuel HUET Director: PEFC certifies the sustainable management of forests in 51 countries around the world.
Contact: Christian SALVIGNOL [email protected] - Mobile +33.684.33.01.32
