Terms & Conditions

The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) welcomes you to its website. These Terms & Conditions describe INFTA’s services and products.

INFTA is incorporated as a not-for-profit association with Consumer Affairs Victoria in Australia (registration number: A0100437H)
INFTA provides services and products to you subject to the following terms, conditions, notices and disclaimers as amended from time to time at our discretion. The date of amendment and updates will be noted at the end of this document.
By accessing, browsing or utilising any or all of the services and products within or provided by INFTA, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions including the Cancellation Policy contained herein. If you do not agree with the stated Terms & Conditions or the Cancellation Policy, INFTA advises that you do not use its services.
INFTA reserves the right to amend, change or omit this site at our discretion. Additionally, INFTA reserve the right to institute changes or amendments (effective immediately) to any or all of the Terms & Conditions contained in this document and to which, by your utilisation of the website, you are bound.

In the following, you will find our detailed conditions for services rendered by INFTA and/or its Accredited Training Providers (ATPs) in the area of Forest Therapy as an evidence-based Public Health practice.

1. Training Courses
All training courses to be booked online are offered by INFTA and, in certain cases, are executed by its ATPs. Component services, such as accommodation and meals may be supplied by other subcontractors and third parties. INFTA and its ATPs do not accept liability for the actions, service standards or failures of these subcontractors and third parties.

2. Inclusions
Inclusions are listed in the relevant services and/or booking/application section of each webpage or, on occasion, in respective flyers or fact sheets. Workshop or retreat accommodation described is typical but not specific and may change from time to time.

3. Acceptance

3.1 Forest Therapy Sessions and Retreats
Your booking becomes valid after INFTA has received both your deposit as specified and your completed booking form and you have received a confirmation email from us. A person making a group booking is presumed to have authority from other group members to act on their behalf. INFTA reserves the right to refuse to accept a booking based on the information revealed to us. If you are unsure about your suitability for your preferred trip please ask.

3.2 Forest Therapy Training and Workshops
By enrolling in a Forest Therapy training course with INFTA or any of its ATPs, you agree to these Terms & Conditions, whether you have read the Terms & Conditions or not.
Immediately after acceptance of the application for participating in a training course by INFTA or its ATPs and the respective invoicing by INFTA or its ATPs, a down-payment (or part thereof) of the total course fees to INFTA or its ATP is mandatory. The remainder of the course fees is due prior to the start of the training course. Typically, the due date for the final payment of the course fee is required four weeks prior to the start of the training course. The due date is listed on the respective training application website.
Once all course fees are paid, INFTA or its ATPs provide the trainee with training material, mentoring and supervision for the course. For didactic and paedagogical reasons, the provision of training material and online learning contents, mentoring and supervision for a course occurs stepwise, based on a trainee’s progress through the course.

3.3 Professional Relationship
You acknowledge that the relationship between INFTA or its ATPs and yourself shall not constitute a relationship of partnership or joint venture or any other relationship where INFTA or its ATPs or subcontractors of INFTA can be held responsible in any way for any actions or words made by you.

4. Minimum Numbers
Forest Therapy events require minimum numbers to operate and this varies from event to event. This depends on safety and logistical reasons. INFTA and its ATPs may elect, at their discretion, to operate with with smaller numbers for particular events.
Face-to-face Forest Therapy training workshops (for example, the Forest Therapy Introduction or Fachseminar Klinische Waldtherapie) whether booked as workshop-only or as part of a six-months Forest Therapy Guide Training require a minimum number of participants which depends on the location. Typically, the minimum number of participants for such workshops is five. If this minimum number of participants is not reached 30 days prior to the beginning of the workshop, INFTA and its ATPs reserve the right to cancel the workshop and refund the deposit to each participant in full. INFTA and its ATPs cannot be held responsible for any additional expenses incurred by any of the participants, such as but not limited to the booking of flights or travel arrangements. Any such expense is the sole risk of a participant.

5. Retreat Accommodation
Our standard advertised prices are based on two people sharing a room. Single rooms may be available upon payment of an additional single room supplement fee. Triple and quadruple sharing in bunk rooms maybe available from time to time. If you wish to share a room, INFTA will try to find a suitable roommate of the same sex. Allocations will be made in the order bookings are received. If there is no one for you to share with, or if you prefer a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee.

6. Changes to Events
INFTA and its ATPs may alter the conduct of an event if necessary: INFTA and its ATPs reserve the right to alter event itineraries at any time to ensure satisfactory conduct. Reasons could include but are not limited to weather, walking track or national park closures, road conditions, change of suppliers, availability of meals, fuel, other transport etc. necessary for the event to operate smoothly and successfully.

7. Extension, Cancellation & Amendment Policy
In order to provide the highest level of service, extensions, cancellations and amendments made by a participant may be subject to fees. The policy applies to all Forest Therapy events listed and booked through INFTA on a per person basis.

• Late Arrivals and No-Shows at Forest Therapy Sessions: Late arrivals and no shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any participant who fails to arrive or arrives after departure on a Forest Therapy session.
• Forest Therapy Sessions: Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to walk commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of walk commencement are non-refundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes.
• Forest Therapy Introduction/Fachseminar Klinische Waldtherapie, Workshops and Retreats: Cancellations received greater than 30 days prior to commencement are fully refundable but carry an administrative fee of AUD 500. Cancellations received within 30 days of commencement are non-refundable. All amendments made may be subject to an administrative fee up to 20% of the cost of the event booked.
• Forest Therapy Guide Training and Practicum: It is acknowledged and understood that INFTA incurs initial and ongoing costs associated with a trainee’s course enrolment, whether the trainee progresses academically in the course in which the trainee is enrolled or not. Thus, course fees are non-refundable after the training has resumed and training material, even partially, has been provided to the trainee. Training material includes material and access to specific online training resources provided by INFTA or its ATPs, such as access to the online INFTA Learning Management System. Each practicum has a set date of completion. Trainees are required to finish the practicum within six months. An extension for another six months can be requested in writing at least two weeks prior to the date of completion stating reason(s). Evidence and/or supporting documentation may be requested by INFTA or its ATPs to give approval for a requested extension.
• INFTA Learning Management System (INFTA LMS): The INFTA LMS constitutes the professional online learning platform for trainees. Trainees enrolled to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide are required to finish their studies in the INFTA LMS within six months. Provided an extension has been granted (s.a.), the maximum time to study in the INFTA LMS is 12 months. After completing the training and practicum – but latest after 12 months if an extension has been granted (s.a.), the user account of a trainee in the INFTA LMS is closed. Trainees enrolled to become an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Tourist Guide are required to finish their studies in the INFTA LMS within three months. Provided an extension has been granted (s.a.), the maximum time to study in the INFTA LMS is six months. After completing the training and practicum – but latest after six months if an extension has been granted (s.a.), the user account of a trainee in the INFTA LMS is closed. In some instances, trainees can request and may be granted the option of deferring studies and continuing with the next available cohort. Deferral to a later training cohort carries an administrative fee of AUD 500. In this instance, a written request must be made to INFTA.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):  Applicants who failed to finish their INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide training or who command some formal qualification which may be regarded as similar to the requirements set by INFTA for the INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide training may submit a written application for RPL. The application for RPL has to be submitted through INFTA’s website. Submission carries a fee of USD 500 and has to be paid upfront, irrespective if or if not the application is successful. It is solely within the discretion of INFTA to grant RPL. It is also solely within the discretion of INFTA to which degree qualifications and prior competencies acquired are recognized. INFTA’s decision on an RPL application is final and shall not be disputed by an applicant.
  
• Forest Therapy Tourist Guide Training and Practicum: It is acknowledged and understood that INFTA incurs initial and ongoing costs
  associated with a trainee’s course enrolment, whether the trainee progresses academically in the course in which the trainee is enrolled or not. Thus, course fees are non-refundable after the training has resumed and training material, even partially, has been provided to the trainee. Training material includes material and access to specific online training resources provided by INFTA or its ATPs, such as access to the INFTA Learning Management System. Each practicum has a set date of completion which, at present, is 6 months. Trainees are required to finish the practicum within the given three months period and before the set date of
  completion. Extension beyond the date of completion can be requested in writing at least two weeks prior to the date of completion stating reason(s). Evidence and/or supporting documentation may be requested by INFTA or the ATP to give approval for a requested extension. An extension past the day of completion carries an extension fee of AUD 100 per week. In some instances, students can request and may be granted the option of deferring studies and continuing with the next available cohort. In this instance, a written request must be made to INFTA or the ATP. Deferral to a later training cohort carries an administrative fee of AUD 500.

From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at INFTA’s discretion. In the event of such changes, the new policy will apply for all walks, hikes, retreat events, trainings and workshops, Forest Therapy Introductions/Fachseminare Klinische Waldtherapie or Forest Therapy Guide trainings of any kind booked after the date and time of the policy change. For any further questions about our extension, cancellation and amendment policy, please feel free to email us at info@infta.net. INFTA will make every endeavour to get back to you within three business days with a full response.

8. Price Increases
Whilst the online content is correct at the time of going to print, INFTA reserves the right to change any of its published prices. If there is a significant change INFTA will notify you more than 30 days in advance of a workshop or event and will provide you with the option of accepting the change or obtaining a full refund.

9. Our Guides
All INFTA Forest Therapy Guides are qualified as INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides. INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides are experienced, mature people who take their responsibilities seriously. They are responsible for all aspects of Forest Therapy walks, events or training including group safety, enjoyment and satisfactory operation of the event. INFTA has authority to do whatever is necessary to achieve these objectives, including not allowing you to participate in specific walks, retreats or training for the overall safety and/or interests of the group. You agree to abide with the Forest Therapy Guides’ decisions.

10. Your Responsibility
It is your responsibility to read the INFTA training material provided thoroughly and choose a walk, session, retreat, workshop or training event within your ability. You must be fit enough to participate in the walk, session, retreat, workshop or training events, irrespective of the advice provided during the free 30-minute general consultation provided by INFTA or its ATPs. Our routes chosen may include or be affected by rough tracks, sand, steep ups and downs, heavy rain, strong winds, high or low temperatures or other impediments caused by nature. It is also your responsibility to bring suitable clothing and footwear and tell us of any relevant medical conditions or special diet requirements at the time of booking. INFTA may not be able to supply your preferred diet. You are responsible for your own conduct during the trip/event. You agree to indemnify INFTA and its ATPs against any consequent liabilities you may incur.
As a participant of a Forest Therapy event conducted by INFTA or one of its ATPs, you also agree to follow the directions of your Forest Therapy Guide. If you are over 60 years of age, it may be requested that you provide a note from your doctor stating that you are fit enough to undertake the walk you are booking.

11. Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge that you have read and understand these booking conditions, and realize that INFTA or its ATPs may have greater risks than normal, because of likely remoteness from medical assistance, possible roughness of paths, steep ascents and descents, changeability of local conditions including physical exertion required, potential extremes of hot or cold or wet weather, transport delays and personal injury or illness. You acknowledge that your choice of this trip is partly because of its greater risks than normally occurring at home or work, and your subsequent satisfaction to be gained from your effort expended. You also acknowledge that walking tracks and/or national parks may be closed from time to time for various reasons including extreme weather events, and that INFTA or its ATPs may not be able to conduct outdoor activities on these days.

12. Release and Waiver of Liability
You agree to release INFTA, its employees and representatives, such as the ATPs, from all cost, liability, loss or damage incurred or suffered by you directly or indirectly during the trip, unless caused by our willful negligence or wrongful act. You agree to not make any claim or seek any compensation from INFTA, its employees and representatives for any cost, liability, loss, injury or damage incurred or suffered by you as a result of your participation in our walks, retreats, workshops or training.

13. Insurance
INFTA recommends strongly that you have adequate insurance against injury, provision and access to remote medical services including helicopter evacuation, transport delays, cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

14. Forest Therapy Guide Certification and Accreditation

• INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guides: INFTA certifies and accredits a Forest Therapy Guide (FTG) if and when an INFTA FTG trainee completes successfully the formal requirements (e.g., participation in workshop, conduct of practicum) defined clearly and in written prior to resuming such training pathway. These formal requirements are not static and may change depending on a number of factors (e.g., government regulations, seasonal changes, curricular improvements). INFTA-Certified FTGs can be accredited as non-voting members with INFTA. To become an INFTA-Accredited FTG, a number of criteria have to be fulfilled, which are clearly defined and published on INFTA’s website. It is solely within INFTA’s discretion to issue this accreditation. Typically, accreditation entails a fee of AUD 10 per month per FTG and is to be paid annually upfront. This fee may be waived at the discretion of INFTA. The accreditation fee is subject to change. All relevant benefits of accreditation with INFTA for FTGs are published on INFTA’s website.
  
• INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Tourist Guides: INFTA certifies and accredits a Forest Therapy Guide (FTTG) if and when an INFTA FTTG trainee completes successfully the formal requirements (e.g., participation in workshop, conduct of practicum) defined clearly and in written prior to resuming such training pathway. These formal requirements are not static and may change depending on a number of factors (e.g., government regulations, seasonal changes, curricular improvements). INFTA-Certified FTTGs can be accredited as non-voting members with INFTA. To become an INFTA-Accredited FTTG, a number of criteria have to be fulfilled, clearly defined and published on INFTA’s website. It is solely within INFTA’s discretion to issue this accreditation. Typically, accreditation entails a fee of AUD 10 per month per FTTG and is to be paid annually. This fee may be waived at the discretion of INFTA. The accreditation fee is subject to change.

15. Forest Therapy Trail Certification
INFTA recommends strongly that you have adequate insurance against injury, provision and access to remote medical services including helicopter evacuation, transport delays, cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

16. Payments
All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD), US dollars (USD) or Euro (EUR) and payment may only be made in those currencies unless otherwise specified.

17. Documentation
After your application/booking form has been received, approved and the required deposit/down-payment has been made to INFTA or its ATPs, you will be provided with information via email about the event and how to prepare for it detailing information, such as suitable clothing, footwear or how to get to the event or location.

18. Complaints
INFTA and its ATPs want to provide you with an enjoyable time in nature, but no matter how careful we are, things might sometimes go wrong. INFTA and its ATPs would like to have complaints remedied as quickly as possible. If you have a difficulty or complaint during an event, please immediately bring it to the notice of your guide. He/she cares for your health and well-being and should be able to provide a remedy so you can continue to enjoy your trip. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact INFTA or its ATPs immediately by phone or email.

19. Jurisdiction
This agreement and the rights and responsibilities of the parties will be construed and take effect in accordance with and be governed by the laws of Victoria.

20. Termination
INFTA reserves the right to terminate access, refuse service, terminate accounts, and/or cancel orders at its discretion and at any time without notice.

21. Disclaimer
The information contained within this website is provided by INFTA in good faith that the information is accurate and current and is represented in accordance with Australian law. This website provides general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical adviser or health specialist in relation to your own personal circumstances. INFTA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the operation of the website or the information, content and materials, including the currency, accuracy or completeness, of any content or any information provided by third parties, on or through the website. INFTA disclaims the accuracy of all descriptions and specifications of the services and products included on this website. INFTA will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this website, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.
INFTA will not guarantee that your access to the website or the functions contained within will be uninterrupted or error-free. INFTA will not guarantee that any errors will be corrected or that the website or the server is free of viruses, malicious computer code transmitted on or through the website or other harmful components.
All rights not expressly granted in these Terms & Conditions are reserved.

22. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, the practices of this website or your dealings with us, please contact us at:

International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA)
410 Surf Coast Highway
GROVEDALE 3216 VIC
AUSTRALIA

Email: info@infta.net

These Terms & Conditions were last updated: 14 July 2023.