Speakers

The 6th Congress ISFT “Forest and its Potential for Health” is thrilled to present its lineup of remarkable keynote speakers! Prof. Dr. Won Sop Shin (Chungbuk National University in Korea and Chair of the Korea Forest Therapy Forum), Prof. Liisa Tyrvainen from Natural Resources Institute Finland, Alex Gesse, executive director, trainer and mentor at Forest Therapy Hub, Dr. Darija Cvikl distinguished expert in forest therapy tourism, serving as Assistant Professor at the International Faculty of Social and Business Studies and College of Hospitality, Wellness, and Tourism in Bled, Slovenia, Piotr Tryjanowski, prof., author of therapeutic ornithology, Nobel prize winner in the team, Poznan University, Poland, Dr. Gisela Immich, a Scientist at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, specializes in health promotion through nature-based interventions, particularly leveraging forests for remedial treatments in Bavarian health resorts.

Viicfph Speaker Won Sop Shin
Won Sop Shin Dr., 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
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
Gisela Immich Dr,. 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, co-authoring the renowned book “Therapeutic Ornithology”, Poznan University, Poland
Slawomir Murawiec (3)
Slawomir Murawiec with over 15 years at the Warsaw Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, is a board member of the Polish Psychiatric Association and editor-in-chief of “Psychiatry.” A pioneer of ecological psychiatry in Poland, he is known for his work in therapeutic ornithology, co-authoring the renowned book “Therapeutic Ornithology” with Piotr Tryjanowski.
Viicfph Speaker Cvikl
Darija Cvikl Dr., 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.

At the congress, more than 30 other world’s experts in therapeutic forest tourism and public health confirmed their participation, such as the most prominent practitioner of forest therapy Amos M. Clifford from USA (author of the book “Your Guide to Forest Bathing”, ANFT), Dr. Katarzyna Simonienko, medical doctor, psychiatrist, ecotherapist, forest therapy guide, and the Vice President of the Polish Forest Bathing Association  and other well known specialists who make this gathering a milestone in developing strategies and knowledge towards human health together with the health of nature.

MODULE 1A
“Nature intervention applications for Mental Health and Wellbeing”

Giedre Zalyte
Giedrė Žalytė Psychologist, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapist and nature therapy guide. Vice-president of the Lithuanian associations of cognitive behavioral therapy and Lithuanian awareness-based psychology.
Manuela
Manuela Siegfried Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Trainer with the ANFT. Born and raised in Costa Rica, now serves as the Training Coordinator for the ANFT. Over the past six years, she has led forest bathing experiences across Costa Rica and internationally, training over 300 facilitators. Her passion for nature began in childhood, exploring forests with her biologist father. She believes in the importance of reconnecting people with nature for the well-being of both humans and the planet. Manuela has also worked closely with the Costa Rica Treatment Center, guiding hundreds in therapeutic walks.
Paulina
Paulina Patro Founder, Nature Coaching Institute EMCC accredited coach, mentor, forest therapist, wellbeing expert, MTQ+ mental toughness trainer, business coach, job crafting facilitator, and certified crisis consultant. Paulina teaches how to build a strong relationship with nature, leading to a better relationship with oneself. She specializes in burnout prevention, leadership skills workshops, and inspiring you to discover new perspectives and set healthy boundaries.
Viicfph Scientific Committee Lolita Rapoliene
Lolita Rapolienė Doc. Dr., Family doctor, internal medicine specialist, and teacher. She holds a PhD in “Evaluation and Prevention of Lifestyle and Psycho-Emotional Status-Mediated Integral Health Risk” from Vilnius University. Rapolienė is an assistant professor at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Klaipėda University, and a family doctor and deputy director for medicine at UAB Baltic Medics Port Polyclinic. Her areas of interest include personal and public health risks, lifestyle, stress, balneotherapy, and geothermal water.

MODULE 1B
“Nature based health solutions in different landscape structures”

Paul Draus
Paul Draus PhD Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Faculty Director of the University of Michigan Detroit Center, USA. Author of Consumed in the City (2004), he has published over 20 articles and chapters on topics ranging from substance abuse to urban agriculture and prison education. A US Fulbright Scholar to Lithuania in 2023, based at Vytautas Magnus University, his recent work focuses on neighborhood landscape change and the benefits of expanding access to natural spaces in post-industrial cities.
Linas Daubaras
Linas Daubaras Lecturer at the Department of Landscape Architecture and Recreation at Kaunas Forestry and Environmental Engineering College, President of the Lithuanian Association of Guides, and President of the Lithuanian Nature Therapy Association.
Jake M.
Jake Robinson Dr. British microbial and restoration ecologist based in Australia. His research focuses on the relationship between the environment, microbiome, and human health. He is passionate about developing strategies for nature conservation and restoration. Dr. Robinson is the author of two popular science books: “Invisible Friends: How Microbes Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us” and “Treewilding: Our Past, Present and Future Relationship with Forests.”
Mervi
Mervi Varhelathi Principal Lecturer at the Master School of Engineering and Business at Turku University of Applied Sciences. Her strongest field of expertise is in sustainable management in hybrid environments. In these environments, he is particularly interested in virtual interaction, building trust, and emotional intelligence, which he believes are the most important skills in today’s working life. Additionally, he is interested in how animals and nature can support the development of self-leadership competences.
Irina
Irina Katajisto-Korhonen Senior lecturer in Turku University of Applied Sciences in Occupational Therapy program. She is an Occupational Therapist (MSc), Vocational Teacher and Sensory Integration Practitioner (PG Cert). Her interests include sensory modulation intervention, psychological recovery, and the well-being effects of nature. She has a strong background in mental health rehabilitation and, in addition to teaching, has worked as an expert in work well-being and nature-based methods (especially Green Care) in various RDI projects.
Inga
Inga Gurauskienė Dr., Assoc. Prof. & Researcher, Institute of Environmental Engineering, KTU. Leads the Centre of Interdisciplinary Competences for Sustainability. Her research focuses on sustainable resource and waste management, circular economy, environmental impact assessment, and ecosystem engineering. She has experience managing research and education projects, coordinating the study program Sustainable Management and Production, and consulting with NGOs, businesses, and national institutions.

MODULE 2A
“Non wood economy: Developing Forest Therapy Tourism and Healing Forests”

Udo
Udo Brändle Dr. CEO and University Management Research, IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences. Expert in higher education management, governance, and legal compliance. As CEO, he advances research and internationalization. Also Vice-Chair of IEEE Central Europe TEMS Chapter. His career includes leadership at Dubai Business School and the University of Dubai, with experience in banking and consulting. He holds a Doctorate in International Business Administration and an LL.M. in Commercial Law.
Stefan
Stefan Seiberling Dr. Landscape ecologist and the regional ISFT governor for Germany. He holds various leadership positions, including being a member of the steering committee of T!Raum One-Health-Region Vorpommern, a board member of the Biocon Valley Association for the Healthcare Industry, and the head of the center for research support and transfer at the University of Greifswald. His expertise lies in ecology, scientific management, funding acquisition, and business-science cooperation.
Stanislovas
Stanislovas Čepinskas Landscape and heritage specialist.
Beata
Beáta Szablics Global tourism and hospitality expert specializing in sustainable practices. As a certified nature therapy guide and yoga nidra teacher, she empowers individuals and organizations to integrate nature-based strategies into their lives and businesses. Szablics has pioneered nature-based programs in Antarctica and continues to work in Switzerland, Hungary, and other destinations.

MODULE 2B
“Forest Interventions in Practice: Practical Applications and Legal Considerations”

Simon Chia
Chia-Pin (Simon) Yu Dr. Professor of School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University as well as Fulbright Harvard Visiting Scholar at T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His research interests lie in the nature, recreation and human health, forest therapy, wellness tourism, and new technology application on nature-based recreation and tourism study. His research applies evidence-based approach to quantify the physiological and psychological benefits of nature exposure and recreational experience from health perspective.

Gintare Tamasauskaite Jancike
Gintarė Tamašauskaitė-Janickė  Expert in interdisciplinary law and a Fellow Researcher at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU). Her work focuses on nature-based solutions, the intersection of law and nature therapy, and human rights in the context of climate change and public health. She actively participates in national and international research projects, co-authors interdisciplinary studies, and provides lectures and consultations. With extensive experience in higher education, public institutions, and NGOs, she currently integrates her knowledge of forest therapy into legal systems and research.
Liz Dawes
Liz Dawes Manager of Corporate and Outdoor Wellbeing at Broughton Sanctuary, former Commercial Lawyer turned ANFT Forest Therapy Guide and Manager of Corporate and Outdoor Wellbeing at Broughton Sanctuary, the UK’s leading retreat center. She developed and managed nature-based wellbeing experiences, leveraging her commercial, sales, and marketing expertise. Her efforts played a key role in expanding Broughton Sanctuary’s Wellbeing Retreats Division, now generating over £1.7 million annually.
Alicja Juškienė
Alicja Juškienė Dr. Associate Professor and  Research Fellow at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, psychologist-psychotherapist, certified Mindfulness teacher and Forest Therapy guide.

Ela (1)
Ela Kurtcu Director, Steinbeis-SIT, Sustainability expert with over a decade of experience in the field. Her background in management and social sciences informs her work at Steinbeis-SIT, where she leads educational programs and projects focused on a triple transformation approach: integrating green, digital, and social/behavioral aspects. Kurtcu is passionate about sustainability education and promoting sustainable well-being.

SYMPOSIUM A
“Nature – green prescription – integrating Nature into Healthcare system”

Moderated by Katarzyna Simonenko and Raimondas Kubilius

Katarzyna
Katarzyna Simonienko Dr. Medical doctor, psychiatrist, ecotherapist, forest therapy guide, and the Vice President of the Polish Forest Bathing Association.
Eva
Eva Dalum Olsen Special Consultant, Public Health, Municipality of Silkeborg, Denmark. Manager of the ‘Nature on Prescription’ program, which helps individuals on sick leave due to stress, anxiety, and depression through nature-based interventions.
Anna Maria Pálsdóttir, Sweeden
Anna Maria Pálsdóttir Senior lecturer (assistant professor) in environmental psychology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at the Department of People and Society. She is a professional horticulturist and holds a BSc in Biology & Horticulture Sciences and an MSc and PhD in Landscape Planning and Environmental Psychology.

Maurizio
Maurizio Droli Dr., EU PhD studies the effects of Forest therapy experiences on ‘virtuous’ (clinically effective, efficient, equitable, and ecologically sustainable) local development processes. He is responsible for research and training activities at the “Stazione di Terapia Forerstale” (litterally translated in: “Forest Therapy Destination” Friuli Venezia Giulia), in Italy. Born in the tri-border area of north-eastern Italy, he moved from the city to the Natisone Valleys with his wife and three children
Maja
Maija Lipponen Researcher at National Resources Institute Finland. She is doing her PhD at the University of Eastern Finland about nature-based interventions promoting sustainable well-being. Maija is interested in developing and studying nature-based public health services.

SYMPOSIUM B
“Forest Ecosystems: A Foundation for Human Health”

Moderated by Simon Bell and Ričardas Skorupskas

Viicfph Scientific Committee Simon Bell
Simon Bell Prof., Estonian University of Life Sciences | EMU · Department of Landscape Architecture, PhD. His research spans social sciences, geography, regional studies, and landscape wellbeing.

Marja R
Marja Roslund Dr., Environmental Scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland. Roslund focuses on connections between nature, biodiversity loss, urbanization, microbiome, and human health. Currently, she is working on a project investigating microbiologically oriented biodiversity interventions to enhance planetary health.
Ieva Misiune
Ieva Misiūnė Dr., Seasoned geographer working at the Department of Geography and Land Management at Vilnius University. Her research interests span a wide range of environmental and urban planning issues.
    Ricardas
    Ričardas Skorupskas Associate Professor, Ph.D. and geographer at the Department of Geography and Landscape Management at Vilnius University. His academic interests include landscape management, theoretical geography, recreational and tourism geography, soundscapes and landscape architecture.

    Lina Raudone
    Lina Raudonė Professor at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Her research interests focus on the phytochemical and antioxidant studies of plant raw materials, as well as the effects of these compounds in biological model systems.
    Uwe
    Uwe Rinner Prof. (FH) Priv. Dos. DI Dr., is the Head of the Institute and Program Director of Applied Chemistry at IMC Krems.

      MODULE 3A
      “Childrens Health and Well-being”

      Moderated by Prof. Horst Klinkmann

      Hiroko
      Hiroko Ochiai Ph.D., M.D., Chief, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center Dr. Ochiai is a chief physician and a Medical Specialist of Forest Therapy® since 2012 and Forest Medicine since 2019.
      Aki
      Aki Sinkkonen Principal Scientist, Docent, PhD. Microbially oriented environmental ecologist with expertise in plant ecology. He leads and participates in multidisciplinary research consortia focused on planetary health. His interests include biodiversity, microbial community dynamics, immune regulation, land cover, urbanization, and remediation. Dr. Sinkkonen’s team is running several rewilding and indoor biodiversity interventions in Finland.

      Hanna
      Hanna Łoboda Ph.D. student in University of Lodz, Poland, interested in outdoor and adventure education, forest kindergartens, adventure therapy, and wilderness therapy. She is a teacher in a forest kindergarten, vice-chairman of the Polish Association of Forest Kindergartens, an occupational therapist, a horticultural therapist, and an herbalist.
      Jens Wellnitz
      Jens Wellnitz Project Manager for renewable energies at UKA Umweltgerechte Kraftanlagen GmbH & Co. KG.
      Sandra A.
      Sandra Andrušaitytė researcher, an associated professor in Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus university. Ivolved in the epidemiological research of studying environmental exposure impacts on human health. In 2015 she gained a Doctor’s degree in Biomedical sciences, Ecology and Environmental sciences. Areas of research: Biomedical Sciences; Environmental Epidemiology, Public Health, focusing on impact of natural environment and social environment on children health. She has been/is a projects manager in a few EU-funded projects: PHENOTYPE, HELIX, CITIES HEALTH, ATHLETE. Also, she has been/is involved in EC-funded project CONNECTION as a PI.

      Karin L
      Karin Lehmann Dr., Initiator of the 1st Curative and Healing Forest in Europe. Karin has worked in the field of health tourism and “Art & Health” at the municipal enterprise “Kaiserbäder Insel Usedom” since 1984. She initiated the project “1st Curative and Healing Forest in Europe” and its successor, the “Child Health – 1st Children’s Health & Curative Forest by the Sea as Therapeutic Environment.” Driven by a concern for children’s health, dedicated herself to developing the potential of forest therapy, particularly for children.

      MODULE 3B
      “Forest protection and sacred value, forest and human relation”

      Moderated by Dr. Vykintas Vaitkevičius

      Viicfph Speaker Amos Clifford
      Amos Clifford Founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) from USA, the largest training organization for forest therapists (his organization has trained over 2000 guides who are guiding this practice in 60 countries). Author of the book “Your guide to forest bathing”. A.Clifford brought the practice of forest bathing from Japan and adapted forest therapy technique to the Western world
      Josep Maria Mallarach
      Josep-Maria Mallarach Environmental consultant with over 40 years of experience in protected area management. Affiliated with Universidad de Navarra, he focuses on forest restoration and landscape preservation. A member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, he contributes to key working groups and teaches at universities in Spain.
      Mindaugas Survila
      Mindaugas Survila Lithuanian naturalist, filmmaker, and director, best known for his acclaimed film The Ancient Woods. He is also the founder of the Ancient Woods Fundation, dedicated to the preservation of ancient forests.
      Vykintas V
      Vykintas Vaitkevičius Archaeologist, and Doctor of Humanities, currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology at Klaipėda University. He is a distinguished researcher of Baltic sacred sites and an experienced author and creator of guided tours. Since 1993, he has led expeditions to explore Lithuania’s landscapes, cultural heritage, and the legacy of Baltic tribes.
      Vilma Kisnierienė
      Vilma Kisnierienė Associate Professor, Ph.D., and Researcher in the Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics at the Center for Life Sciences, Vilnius University.

      Moses
      Moises Hernandez Descendant of the Lenca Mayan people, has been a lifelong guardian of nature. Raised in the Honduran forest, he works to bridge the gap between city and forest through projects in forest conservation, reforestation, permaculture, holistic medicine, community building, education, and platform development to connect cities and forests. He has a deep understanding of natural dynamics, and his Rafaeleseden project protects over 1,300 acres of land.

      WORKSHOPS

      Sven
      Sven Ruger Qualified business economist specializing in tax/auditing and organizational theory. Since 2000, he has worked as a start-up entrepreneur in diagnostics, biotech, and semiconductors. He is dedicated to fostering sustainable spin-offs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, supporting the realization of dreams and contributing to the health economy. Sven has served as chairman of BioCon Valley e.V., a key organization for life sciences in northeastern Germany, for the past five years and is currently the treasurer at ISFT.
      Ruta Z
      Rūta Žemčugovaitė Multi-talented Lithuanian-born artist based in Berlin. She is a writer, facilitator, creative consultant, and design researcher. Rūta co-founded Sympoiesis Experience and Design Lab, where she explores how to collectively process loss while regenerating living systems. She leads workshops on regenerative design practices and invites participants to explore multi-species perspectives on the future.

      Niels
      Niels Devisscher Co-founder of Sympoiesis and Communications Lead. He works as a freelance regenerative communications strategist, graphic designer, writer, and imagination facilitator. Niels taught himself urban and fine art landscape photography and has since won numerous awards in prestigious competitions, including bronze in The Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3).
      Manfred Baum
      Manfred Baum President of International Society of Forest Therapy. CEO of the state-owned “Landesforstanstalt Mecklenburg-Vorpommern” He worked as a national expert at the European Commission in Brussels and led a forestry office, playing a key role in developing Europe’s first legal framework for designating cure and healing forests. With years of experience in both national and international forestry projects, he also serves as the honorary managing director of the “Landeswaldstiftung MV” foundation.
      Alain
      Lancelot Alain A trained sophrologist and coach in stress management, Alain Lancelot will demonstrate concrete practices and movements that help certified guides or anyone interested in forest therapy get in the best conditions to optimise the benefits of trees on their health, both body and mind, fully absorbing phytoncides to reduce stress hormones and increase serotonin levels, hereby releasing tensions and reducing depression-inducing ruminations, etc

      Zivile
      Živilė Virkutytė Her workshop delves into the link between somatic awareness and the natural environment, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of mindful movement and sensory techniques. Participants will engage in activities to deepen their connection with themselves and nature, enhancing presence and resilience. Through experiential learning and discussion, the workshop highlights nature’s healing potential and its impact on our nervous system.
      Gosia
      Gosia Kotlicka Forest therapy practitioner, FTHub trained and certified Shinrin-yoku guide and mindful sensory communication coach. 
      Wild Water aficionado and independent researcher in the area of forest water and wellness. Founding member of the Polish Forest Bathing Association. 

      Workshop: Wild Water as a Transit Partner – Appreciating this relationship for a deeper and faster journey into Flow” 
      Diana
      Diana Czajkowska About the workshop: You will experience forest bathing in a lying position, in a hammock strung between the trees. The feeling of being out of touch with the ground is key here – a different body position provides a new sensory experience, a view from a different perspective and a sense of deep relaxation in the swaying hammock

      OUTDOOR PRACTICES IN THE FOREST

      Viicfph Speaker Amos Clifford
      Amos Clifford Founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) from USA, the largest training organization for forest therapists (his organization has trained over 2000 guides who are guiding this practice in 60 countries). Author of the book “Your guide to forest bathing”. A.Clifford brought the practice of forest bathing from Japan and adapted forest therapy technique to the Western world
      Marta
      Marta Grabowska Forest Therapy Hub Trainer. Marta has a degree in Social Sciences at Warsaw University and a postgraduate in Coaching and Mentoring. She is a certified Breathworker, Holistic Trainer and Forest Bathing Guide. She is the founder of House of Breath, an online and live space for people to explore the benefits of conscious breathing. Her dream and goal are to connect conscious breathing practice with mindful presence in nature for the wellbeing of modern people. She spent several years working in a business environment with different cultures and nations.

      Inga
      Inga Dreimante FTHub Trainer and Forest Therapy Institute Research Lab member, she is also a Forest Therapy Practitioner with a master’s degree in Psychology and a member of the Latvian Association of Addiction Psychologists. Since 2005, she has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. With over a decade of experience training professionals on addiction, violence, and crisis, she has authored educational programs and worked with violence victims and clients on addiction prevention.


      Aurelija Pluke
      Aurelija Plūkė Mushroom world expert, educator, blogger, and amateur mycologist.
      Marius Ir Aurelija
      Marius Krikščiūnas, Aurelija Kucevičiūtė Forest gardens creators, Founders of the Medlijas project. Beekeepers and sauna enthusiasts.

      POSTERS

      Aiste G
      Aistė Griškonytė Environmental lawyer and PhD student with over 10 years of experience in the energy sector and waste management. Her research focuses on public environmental governance and the emerging trend of co-creation. Griškonytė uses the Lithuanian National Agreement on Forests as a case study to explore the conditions and guidelines needed for effective co-creation in future environmental decision-making.
      Aida
      Aida Norvilienė Dr. Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Klaipėda University. Her research interests lie in teacher training, pre-school and primary education, outdoor pedagogy, intercultural education, and educational management.

      Egle
      Eglė Tamašauskaitė  Master’s student of Science in Education at Klaipėda University. She is a yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner, her classes incorporate alternative therapeutic techniques and nature as a healing modality. Egle is also active in social activities like volunteering at the emotional helpline “Vilties linija” and representing “Žvelk giliau” initiative as a mental health ambassador. E-mail: egle.tamasauskaite@ku.lt
      Julius Reinikis (1)
      Julius Reinikis Social and cultural activist deeply involved in preserving and promoting Baltic heritage. Director of the public institution “Baltų Lieptas”
      Egle Januskiene
      Eglė Januškienė PhD candidate at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and a skilled architect with a strong focus on sustainable and green building practices. Her expertise spans across various domains, including child development, architectural history, landscape architecture, and urban planning.

      Ruta Baskyte
      Rūta Baškytė Geographer with a long experience in protected areas field: in planning, management, spread of information, establishment of the system of visitor centers and nature schools, educational trails and observation towers. Still working with preparation of strategical planning documents, including the plan for raising the effectiveness of nature schools.
      Donatas Brandisauskas (1)
      Donatas Brandišauskas Social anthropologist who specializes in the ethnography of reindeer herding and hunting of nomadic indigenous people of East Siberia, the Russian Far East and Mongolia. His interests lie in studies of human/animal relations, animism, Indigenous knowledge, perception of landscape, and taiga nomadism. He is a professor at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies of Vilnius University and a senior researcher at the Lithuanian Institute of History.
      Urska
      Urška Rozman Assist. Prof., PhD has been employed at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Maribor and is a member of the Institute for Balneology and Climatology. She completed her masters study program in Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, where in 2014 she also received her PhD in the study program of Ecological Science. She is habilitated as an Assistant Professor in the field of biology.
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      Malgorzata Zieba An associate professor in the Department of Management. She holds a habilitation degree, a Ph.D. in Economics, an MSc in Management and Marketing, and a B.Sc. in Environmental Protection and Management. With extensive experience in international projects like Leonardo da Vinci and the Baltic Sea Region Programme, she has also coordinated initiatives such as the LdV INNOCASE project (2012-2014) and the Erasmus+ TOO4TO project. Her expertise spans project management, teamwork, human resources management, e-learning (as a qualified educationist).
      Magdalena
      Magdalena Fabjanowicz Completed her PhD thesis defense in chemistry in 2023 and possesses a master’s degree in environmental protection technologies and international management. Her research focuses on green analytical approaches, sustainable development, and environmental preservation. She took part in the Sustainable Management: Tools for Tomorrow (TOO4TO) Erasmus+ project. She combines her scientific work with her long-standing involvement in mountain biking.
      Jolanta Stankeviciute
      Jolanta Stankevičiūtė Doctor of Biomedical Sciences, Lecturer, Vytautas Magnus University.