Continuous Professional Development

As an organisation, INFTA develops, promotes and monitors professional conduct of its research, training and Public appearance. Thus, all INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guides have to participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to maintain accreditation with INFTA.

CPD Requirements

To uphold accreditation, an INFTA-Accredited Forest Therapy Guide is – within each year – expected to:

From a point of professional conduct, each INFTA-Certified and -Accredited Forest Therapy Guide should …

be alert and present during Forest Therapy walks, allowing time, space and safety for participants to experience the full benefits of the practice
maintain INFTA standards in the structure, conduct, delivery and practice of Forest Therapy according to the International Core Curriculum of Forest Therapy (ICCFT) and the Forest Therapy Guiding Sequence (FTGS)
revisit study material and relevant literature regularly to ensure familiarity and being up-to-date with the practice
commit to professionalism
maintain credibility in the community
uphold ethical and moral standards
engage in non-discriminatory behavior
abide by all legal requirements of the practice
maintain links to INFTA and the community of INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides and mentors as well as
commit to maintain accreditation through CPD.

Most professional organisations nationally and internationally require that their members undergo and commit to CPD. It is not only perceived as best practice but it ensures the necessary quality standards to retain a professional perception and management of the organization and profession per se. Thus and due to INFTA’s own CPD, INFTA-Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guides …

maintain knowledge and keep up-to-date on the science and research in Forest Therapy
speak with authority on the benefits of the practice of Forest Therapy
engage with professionalism and confidence with organizations, community and media on the evidence-based practice of Forest Therapy
attend events, meetings and/or workshops organized by INFTA and its partners
maintain a regular sit spot practice and nature journal
expand knowledge and keep up-to-date on his/her bioregion and changes therein throughout the seasons to ensure safety of participants
maintain good working relationships with relevant stakeholders
seek advice and counsel from and collaborate closely with local groups, traditional owners, parks authorities and/or other Public health stakeholders
read articles, journals and other publications on Forest Therapy
commit to environmental stewardship
expand knowledge on practices which connect people to nature and natural environments by attending relevant workshops, talks or meetings
maintain adequate First Aid Certification
maintain relevant licenses and insurance policies to practice Forest Therapy safely and professionally and
maintain adequate and respectful behaviour on social media
maintain sound business practices.

Benefits of Accreditation and Continuous Professional Development

Accreditation with INFTA is evaluated and billed annually for a minimal fee of AUD 10 per month. There are a range of essential benefits for INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guides to participate in CPD in order to maintain accreditation and membership with INFTA:

access to the world’s professional peak body and international thought leader in the area of Forest Therapy
access to INFTA’s global network of researchers and practitioners
be part of INFTA’s global network of Forest Therapy Guides
access to the most recent and comprehensive research in Forest Therapy, Forest Medicine and Public Health
access to INFTA’s online database of evidence-based Forest Therapy activities
receive promotional material and be allowed to use the respective logo and credentials of INFTA in your professional work
support in developing business opportunities by establishing and providing links and/or contacts to INFTA’s growing network of stakeholders in the area of Forest Therapy and Public Health
preferential access to obtaining the relevant licenses and insurance policies required to conduct guided Forest Therapy walks
provision of opportunities to participate in research and/or community-related projects in Forest Therapy
preferential access to social media groups coordinated by INFTA and its accredited training providers in the area of Forest Therapy

Continuous Professional Development

CPD Requirements

Benefits of Accreditation and Continuous Professional Development

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Training

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Research

Acknowledgement