6th International Congress ISFT “Forest and Its Potential for Health”

We are excited to invite you to the 6th International Congress ISFT “Forest and its Potential for Health”, scheduled to take place from 18th to 20th September 2024, in the historic wellness resort town of Druskininkai, Lithuania, at unique “SPA Vilnius” Hotel nestled in the serene surroundings of Forest Wellness Park.

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The congress is a significant global gathering bringing together leading experts, scientists, researchers from around the globe in the field of forest medicine, forestry, biomedicine, public health, climatology, phyto-pharmacy as well as forest therapy practitioners and tourism specialists.

The central objective of the congress is to present latest research findings on how forest ecosystem services contribute to the health and well-being of people and communities. Additionally, it serves as a platform to share exemplary case studies of the non-wood forest economy and the application of forest therapies in the fields of public health and nature-based tourism.

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Discover the congress program and embark on an extraordinary journey through the world’s leading examples.

↓ Program (PDF)

The 6th Congress ISFT features a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, representing diverse fields within forest therapy, forest medicine, and related disciplines. Alongside these key figures, over 30 additional world-renowned experts in therapeutic forest tourism and public health will be joining the event, making it a landmark gathering for advancing strategies and knowledge in human and environmental health.

Viicfph Speaker Won Sop Shin — **Prof. Dr. Won Sop Shin** Professor at Chungbuk National University in Korea. He has lots of experience in research and conducting projects on forest and human health for about 30 years. Won Shop Shin is a Chair of the Korea Forest Therapy Forum

Viicfph Speaker Liisa Tyrvainen — **Prof. Liisa Tyrvainen** Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, specializes in outdoor recreation, nature-based tourism, and the health and social benefits of nature; her ongoing studies assess outdoor recreation demand, health effects of nature, and impacts of forest management, and since 2016, she has served on the Metsähallitus board, overseeing state-owned forests and water areas in Finland.

Viicfph Speaker Alex Gesse — **Alex Gesse** Executive director, trainer and mentor at Forest Therapy Hub. Board member of the ISFT, having trained over 2,000 guides and practitioners. Conducted forest therapy sessions in more than 20 countries on 6 continents.

Viicfph Speaker Gisela Immich — **Dr. Gisela Immich** Scientist at the Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, specializes in health promotion and prevention through nature-based interventions, focusing on approaches that integrate public health, planetary health, and biodiversity, with expertise in leveraging forests for remedial treatments in Bavarian health resorts.

Viicfph Speaker Piotr Tryjanowski — **Piotr Tryjanowski** Professor, pioneer and author of therapeutic ornithology, Nobel prize winner, Poznan University, Poland

Viicfph Speaker Cvikl — **Dr. Darija Cvikl, PhD** has specialised in and led research projects in forest tourism. She holds key roles in the ISFT and the Council for Tourism in Natural Environments of Slovenia. Works at the International Faculty of Social and Business Studies and College of Hospitality, Wellness, and Tourism, Slovenia.

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We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and enthusiasts to join us for an enriching three days exploration of how forests contribute to our health and well-being.

Key Themes:

Forest Impact on Health and Forest Therapy practices
Non-Wood Economy and Nature-Based Tourism
Creation of Healing Forests (therapeutic forest environments)
Forest Pedagogics and Nature Education
Sustainable Forest Management and Environmental Planning for Public Health

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In three days we will experience

Scientific Presentations and Interactive Strategic Panel Discussions
Immersive Forest Therapy and Healing Medical Plants Workshops at Dzūkija National ark (largest protected area in Lithuania)
Networking Opportunities and Special Event
Baltic Cultural Program

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Lithuania – Country near the Baltic sea, with vast forest areas, peaceful natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Traditional forest and human relationship in Lithuania was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. We strongly encourage you to come and experience their tranquility and healing benefits.

Touch the primal forests of Lithuania and get to know the old Baltic saint forest culture!

Organised by

International Society of Forest Therapy and Association Gyvo Žalio

In Collaboration with

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuanian National Association of Medical Spa and Rehabilitation centers, Lithuanian Resorts Association, Association of Municipal Public Health Offices, Lithuanian Phytotherapy Union, Lithuanian Forest Therapy and Education Center, Lithuanian Nature Therapy Association.