In Portugal, the concept of a nature-based healthcare has achieved an important conformance, becoming the first therapeutic forest with official certification in the Iberian Peninsula. Bussaco National Forest was certified to be a therapeutic forest, bringing a new and innovative contribution to the sustainable environmental conservation with public health. Bussaco National Forest is situated on the heart of Portugal.
It is well-known for centuries for its abundant diverse wildlife, incredible variety of ancient trees, tranquil walking trails and historic implications. The forest obtained the latest therapeutic certification, That means providing the visitors with more than obvious tranquility and ecology, but a scientifically approved means of relaxing, de-stressing, and improving health. ‘Therapeutic woodland’ or ‘therapeutic forest’ is another trend that is emerging in different parts of the world as more scientists discover the various advantages to health of being out in the wild.
Unlike gardens and parks that are simply found in the environment, these new therapeutic sites are thoroughly evaluated for their air quality, wildlife populations accessibility natural ambiance and overall capacity to facilitate both physical and psychological restoration. Accreditation signifies that the forest is suitable for these purposes. The Bussaco National Forest gives the perfect environment to run this project.
With hundreds of native and introduction plants species, it is full of huge, ancient trees, shaded paths, peaceful gardens and quiet spaces which help the visitor to leave behind the stresses of the busy world. The fresh air, abundance of plant life and soothing environment provide ideal grounds for mindful walking and outdoor wellbeing activities. More and more studies provide evidence of the relationship between nature and better health.
As the research, being in forests could help alleviate stress, improving mood and lowering blood pressure as well as enhance immune systems, boosts concentration and even lead to better mental health. As a result, health professionals and policy makers began to look at nature as an effective adjunct to conventional health regimes. The Bussaco as a certification also shows the rise of forest therapy, widely known as ‘floratherapy’.
This method, which was developed in Japan, seeks to re-establish a connection with nature. Consumers are asked to take a slow pace, to use all their senses and to interact with the environment without any physical activity (walking or physical effort). Instead, they are guided by the environment to breathe deeply and feel relaxed.
For Portugal, the recognition is something other than a step up for the environment. It is about the actively supporting of sustainable tourism and the promotion of a healthier way of life. Bussaco can now be experienced not just as an area of outstanding natural beauty, but as a place where the body and mind are supported in finding the right balance with the natural world.
On top of that, the project tends to improve local tourism. Wellness tourism is currently one of the most rapidly expanding categories worldwide; travelers are more and more looking for sustainable holiday options, and traveling to places offering authentic, natural experience. Bussaco’s renowned forest for its therapeutic qualities may attract seekers of mindfulness, outdoor and eco tourism among travelers in Europe as well as further afield.
