INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Tourist Guide training for the Global South
Open for applications now, INFTA is proud to offer the new Forest Therapy Tourist Guide (FTTG) training, an advanced professional pathway designed for those ready to thrive in the global health & wellbeing and wellness tourism sector. As demand grows in global wellness economy – projected to reach about USD 7 trillion in 2026 -, […]
Supporting youth mental health through social media detox and Forest Therapy
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open (2025) highlights growing evidence that structured social media detox initiatives can support improved mental health outcomes among young people. As communities respond to rising concerns around youth wellbeing, research and practice increasingly show that reducing screen time alone is not enough—what replaces digital engagement plays a critical role […]
Green space is not a luxury — but Public health
A Finnish study adds striking evidence to something many of us intuitively know: contact with urban nature isn’t a luxury, it’s a Public health strategy with measurable mental and physical health benefits. It’s no surprise that researchers around the world are no longer just tracking whether people experience anxiety or depression, but why these conditions are […]
INFTA completed innovative research project
INFTA has successfully completed the data collection for the research project termed “Effective Stress Reduction in Nature“. This project aimed at effectively bringing down stress levels of international students to improve their mental and physical health. It was partially funded by a grant of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Region in Victoria. It […]
Forest Therapy – effective in Germany
INFTA is proud about the release of the first scientific article which underscores the effectiveness of Forest Therapy in Germany. In 2020 and on the initiative of INFTA’s Secretary & International Strategic Advisor, Dr. Dieter Kotte, INFTA (Germany) and Charité Berlin teamed up to conduct the first national research project in Forest Therapy, federally funded […]
INFTA receives important research grant
INFTA has been awarded another grant by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Region in Victoria. The proposed research project termed “Effective Stress Reduction in Nature” aims at effectively bringing down stress levels of international students to improve their mental and physical health. It is part of the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program which has […]
INFTA’s fact-finding mission in Taiwan
In March 2025, INFTA‘s Executive Committee members, Susan Joachim and Dr. Dieter Kotte, were invited by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA), Ministry of Agriculture, to Taiwan on a fact-finding mission learn about Forest Therapy in Taiwan. The mission was organized by the Taiwan Forest Therapy Society. At a symposium conducted at FANCA’s headquarter […]
INFTA’s fact-finding mission in Japan
In November 2024, INFTA‘s Executive Committee members, Susan Joachim and Dr. Dieter Kotte, were invited to Japan on a fact-finding mission to reset and restart Forest Therapy – referred to as “Shinrin-yoku” (森林浴) in Japanese. Invited by a group of business people, several site visits within the Tokyo Prefecture were conducted to evaluate their suitability […]
INFTA leads important research
INFTA led a research group in Australia conducting an important clinical study. The aim of this project – funded with a grant by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Region in Victoria – was to bring down stress levels of international students to improve their mental and physical health. Some 350 international students registered […]
Forest Therapy Guide Training in Victoria
The Institute of Forest Therapy, INFTA’s Accredited Training Provider in Australia, conducted another successful exclusive five-day, in-person workshop at Pallotti College in Victoria/Australia. Getting exposed to various weather conditions allowed the participants to familiarize themselves with the natural conditions Forest Therapy Guides experience when guiding participants outdoors in different seasons. Bringing together a wide range […]