[Forests and trees: A public health perspective]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Forestry Management

Background:

• Forests historically provide resources and services crucial for human physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
• Research on the health economics of forest engagement is vital due to competing healthcare funding priorities.
• A growing body of evidence highlights the positive impacts of trees and forests on human health and wellbeing, indicating a paradigm shift in public health perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the intersection of forest resources and public health policies.
• To highlight the potential of forest engagement for illness prevention and enhanced wellbeing.
• To examine the current focus of health practitioners on treatment versus prevention in relation to forest benefits.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing public health policies concerning forests and trees.
• Analysis of the current perspectives within the public health field regarding the natural environment.
• Examination of regional differences in healthcare approaches (Europe/Japan vs. North America) concerning forest health benefits.

Main Results:

• There is a notable lack of specific public health policies and approaches related to forests and trees.
• The public health field traditionally viewed the natural environment with ambivalence, but this is changing.
• While recognized in Europe and Japan, North American healthcare largely remains treatment-focused, though advocacy is initiating change.

Conclusions:

• Forest engagement offers a significant, cost-effective opportunity for 21st-century public health and forest management.
• A shift towards preventative health strategies incorporating forest benefits is emerging but faces entrenched treatment-focused healthcare systems.
• Further development and integration of forest-related public health policies are needed, particularly in North America.