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The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) implements and promotes Forest Therapy as an evidence-based Public health practice through international partnerships with research institutions, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) is committed to establish Forest Therapy as scientifically-proven natural medicine by expanding its networks and establishing partnerships with research, education and Public health bodies across the globe. Through these networks, INFTA will access studies, contribute to research on and create awareness about Forest Therapy. INFTA’s mission is to make Forest Therapy accessible for the health and well-being of people world-wide.
Forest Therapy is a research-based Public health practice of guided immersion in forested surroundings with the aim of promoting mental and physical health whilst relaxing and enjoying nature. Recognized widely as a Public health practice, Forest Therapy is gaining recognition globally as evidence-based, effective and affordable medicine.
A Forest Therapy Guide is an experienced professional who is certified and qualified with specialist skills, knowledge and competencies in the application of Forest Therapy as a Public health practice in suitable forests and nature settings. As such, a Forest Therapy Guide conducts Forest Therapy sessions.
According to the World Health Organization, stress is the health epidemic of the 21st century and is responsible for many forms of chronic illnesses. In the 1980s, Japan recognized the physiological and psychological dangers of stress and depression and sought out a new, affordable and effective way to combat it. This was the beginning of “Shinrin-yoku”, roughly translated as ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ or ‘forest immersion’. During the last three decades, this led to the development of the Public health practice of Forest Therapy.
Start your professional, internationally-recognized training to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide any time, anywhere.
INFTA and its national and international partners are engaged increasingly in a number of research projects collecting further evidence of Forest Therapy as an effective, affordable Public health practice.
Collaborating successfully with government, organisational and corporate stakeholders, INFTA endorses Forest Therapy as an evidence-based Public health practice globally.
The first International Handbook of Forest Therapy defines the scientific domain of this innovative, evidence-based and timely Public health approach. More than 50 authors from around the world were brought together to offer their expertise and insights about Forest Therapy from a variety of research perspectives.
The theoretical discussion of the effects related to the biophilia hypothesis presented here is complemented by research results compiled across the last three decades in the fields of psychology, medicine and biochemistry, primarily from Asia. The book also highlights the latest developments with regards to Forest Therapy in a number of different countries, ranging from China and Australia to Germany and Norway.
The handbook constitutes a major milestone in research in this field. It set the baseline for Forest Therapy to be implemented worldwide as a powerful and financially prudent Public health practice.
Forest Therapy offers exactly what people need right now!
Many people suffer from stress and lifestyle-related illnesses. Most of us have a poor work-life balance. Our lifestyles have also led to environmental issues.
As an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide you reconnect people to nature and make a real difference.
Would you like to reconnect people to nature?
David Orr, Professor of Environmental Studies
One-to-one mentoring.
Combine your passion with your purpose.
Join a community of mature, committed professionals.
Work together with the world’s most trusted training partner.
Make steady progress towards clear goals.
Become a leader in your community. Qualified, professional and respected.
Jane Goodall
Belinda McCawley - Founder of Mindful In Nature
INFTA is a not-for-profit association registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria (reg. no.: A0100437H)
INFTA acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
