Several studies have concluded that nature, particularly forests, contribute to physical and mental well-being and can notably improve human health. Forests can act as a buffer that maintains well-being, provides resources and services such as air purification or recreation, especially in urban areas, potentially reducing exposure to environmental diseases and other hazards.
However, the relationship between forests and human health is complex, as evidence also shows that forest proximate communities are more prone to zoonotic and infectious diseases, which are often exacerbated by forest degradation and encroachment.
In July 2021, International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO) sinitiated a global scientific assessment on forests and human health in the frame of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF)'s Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative. The assessment will provide reliable scientific information, crucial to achieve optimal trade-offs between human health, and the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Join us on 21 March at 15:00 CET to listen first-hand about this assessment.
More details about the assessment can be found here.
