Trail Certification
INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Trails
As evidence-based Public health practice, Forest Therapy sessions are to be conducted on suitable and safe Forest Therapy trails. This requires professional inspection, certification and accreditation of those Forest Therapy trails.
Priority No. 1 - Safety and suitability
To develop, maintain and enforce safety and suitability of Forest Therapy trails, INFTA is in regular dialogue with the respective administrative and government departments to ensure that designated Forest Therapy trails are set up and maintained appropriately for the Public.
At the same time, INFTA collaborates with international research partners in other countries to exchange experiences and knowledge about which trails are and can be made appropriate for Forest Therapy.
Get your Forest Therapy trail certified
Based on rigorous international standards developed, evaluated and validated by INFTA, we inspect, certify and accredit Forest Therapy trails worldwide.
We strongly recommend to get your Forest Therapy trail certified and accredited as an effective quality and marketing criterion.
The benefits of INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy trails are listed in the table below.
Benefits of Trail Certification
Safety Aspects
- Hazard Mitigation: Removal of hazardous trees/branches and securing loose debris in the immediate vicinity.
- Structural Protection: Installation of guard rails or barriers in areas with risk of falls or significant injury.
- Hazard Signage: Clear indicators alerting visitors to poisonous flora (e.g., poison oak) or local environmental risks.
- Ease of Navigation: Clear, well-maintained paths that minimize trip hazards and support slow-paced walking.
- Emergency Access: Designated points and protocols for emergency service access and extraction if required.
- Compliance: Alignment with Work Health and Safety regulations to protect participants and guides.
- Weather Resilience: Assessment of trail stability and safety across different seasons and weather conditions.
- Risk Management Protocols: Integration of a formal assessment of risk for different client populations and age groups.
Suitability Aspects
- Restorative Potential: Evaluation of the landscape’s ability to facilitate deep nature connection and mental restoration.
- Sensory Diversity: Presence of varied natural elements (aromatic plants, textures, water sounds) to engage all senses.
- Ecosystem Health: Assessment of biodiversity and ecological health to provide a high-quality “Green Time” environment.
- Quiet Zones: Identification of areas with low noise pollution to support immersive mindfulness and auditory grounding.
- Inclusive Design: Universal accessibility ensuring the trail is appropriate for diverse populations, including those with limited mobility.
- Infrastructure Support: Availability of essential amenities such as parking, shelters, and restrooms near the trailhead or end.
- Guided Sequence Support: Site features align with the INFTA Forest Therapy Guiding Sequence for structured and effective sessions.
- Research Validity: Trail suitability validated against evidence-based Public health standards and international research.
INFTA certified and accredited the world's first, campus-based Forest Therapy trail
In 2024, INFTA certified and accredited the world’s first, campus-based Forest Therapy trail at Waurn Ponds, Deakin University, Australia. Since its opening, this unique Forest Therapy trail has been used for conducting Forest Therapy sessions for staff and students of Deakin University as well as the community.
INFTA certifies Forest Therapy trails for health & wellbeing hotels and resorts
Take a look at this designated Forest Therapy trail at Qii House, a private eco-retreat in midst the rainforest of the Otways in Victoria, Australia, as featured on television. This trail has been certified and accredited by INFTA since 2022.
Contact the experts at INFTA to get your Forest Therapy trail certified and accredited
