Organizers: Takahide Kagawa (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan) &
Liisa Tyrväinen (Finnish Forest Research Institute, Finland)
Physiological effects of wooden odors on humans: evidence from laboratory experiments. Hishiyama, Y. (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan; yukot@ffpri.affrc.go.jp), Miyazaki, Y. (Chiba University, Japan; ymiyazaki@faculty.chiba-u.
jp), Kagawa, T. (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan; kagawa@ffpri.affrc.go.jp).
This research aims to elucidate the effects of wooden odors on human physiology by conducting laboratory experiments. The physiological measurements we use are cerebral hemodynamics to assess activity in the prefrontal area, blood pressure, and pulse rate. We also use heart rate and heart rate variability as indicators of autonomic nervous activity. Each experiment was conducted in a room with controlled settings, with 10 to 20 participants. Examples of the results include: (i) the smell of Japanese cedar wood chips signifi cantly decreased systolic blood pressure and cerebral activity in adults, (ii) the smell of α-pinene and limonene (odorous components of conifer trees) signifi cantly decreased systolic blood pressure in adults, and (iii) the smell of α-pinene signifi cantly decreased infants’ heart rate. These results suggest that the odor of wood chips of certain species or wooden extracts have physiological soothing effects. We consider that a physiological approach, as presented in this paper, will be invaluable for elucidating the relationship between forests and human well-being, and implementing evidence-based practice.
The spread of forest therapy in Japan. Kagawa, T. (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan;
kagawa@ffpri.affrc.go.jp).
In recent years, people living in urban settings have been exposed to heavy techno stresses on a daily basis, hence the increasing attention focused on the role of the forest environment to promote human health and well-being. This is because humans have adapted to the forest environment over millions of years, and are still not familiar with the current urban environment. In Japan, there are currently 53 forest therapy bases and trails. Since we introduced the certifi cation system in 2005, forest therapy has been widely used in municipalities nationwide. Recent fi eld studies have provided many scientifi c benchmarks for the physiological effect of forest bathing, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity by heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, pulse rate, adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary cortisol concentration, natural killer (NK) cell activity and the number of NK cells. Moreover, the present study showed how the forest environment is effective in terms of cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. In addition, forest bathing also reduces oxidative stress and boosts antioxidant capacity. Conversely, when comparing the therapeutic effect of natural environments, the forest relaxation effect exceeds that of farm land and sea coast.
A study on the healing effect of Korean forestry. Lee, J., Park, S., Jeong, M., Yoo, R., Kim, J. (Korea Forest Research Institute, Republic of Korea; jeong86@forest.go.kr; sjpark@forest.go.kr; miaejeong630@gmail.com; cham0505@forest.go.kr;
jjkim@forest.go.kr).
In recent Korean society, the number of healing industries, which connect the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) with well-being, is rapidly increasing and the major activities in forests have also been changed to the walking on the forest roads or the real healing through forests, sublating those activities like simple climbing for achievement purpose. In order to respond to the people’s demand for forests, the Korea Forest Service is attempting the scientifi c approach to real healing, namely, the psychological and physiological healing effects of forests. The research on the healing effect of forests started in earnest in 2007 and it is still continuing in 2013. In this study, the scientifi c results of seven years on the healing effects of forests will be analyzed and forest healing in Korea will be introduced. The forest healing in Korea imitated the forest therapy of Japan at the early stage of its research, but currently, Korea’s own direction of forest healing has been established and the relevant research is being conducted based on continuous evidence.
Forests for wood production and human wellbeing – what are the trade-offs in long-term forest management planning?
Nordström, I., Lundell, Y., Stoltz, J., Skärbäck, E., van den Bosch, M., Grahn, P., Dolling, A. (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; eva-maria.nordstrom@slu.se; Ylva.Lundell@slu.se; jonst309@gmail.com; Erik.Skarback@slu.se;
Matilda.Van.Den.Bosch@slu.se; Patrik.Grahn@slu.se; Ann.Dolling@slu.se).
Social values of forests are increasingly recognized as important objectives in forest management planning. For instance, forests contribute to human health and wellbeing by providing a suitable environment for recreation and rehabilitation. However, it remains a challenge to defi ne and measure these values in terms of forest variables and to incorporate them into forest planning.
The objective of this study is to quantify rehabilitation forest characteristics and analyze trade-offs between wood production and rehabilitation forests. The study builds on previous studies of preferences for different forest types among participants in a stress rehabilitation program. For three forest estates in northern, middle and southern Sweden, correlation analysis indicated that the fi ve most important stand-level variables were age, stems/ha, height, diameter and standing volume. Threshold values were set for these variables as well as spatial criteria to defi ne rehabilitation forest. The Heureka decision support system was used to analyze the relation between maintaining different shares of rehabilitation forest and the loss in net present value (NPV) for forestry over a 100 year period. Preliminary results show that 15–25% can be maintained as rehabilitation forest without considerable decrease in NPV. Age and spatial restrictions seems to be important limiting factors.
The Nature, Health & Design Lab – research on nature qualities. Stigsdotter, U., Refshauge, A (University of Copenhagen, Denmark; uks@life.ku.dk; adre@ign.ku.dk).
An increasing amount of research suggests that nature is a resource to human health. Studies indicate health benefi ts at cellular, individual, and population level, and that natural environments have positive impacts in three main ways by encouraging physical activity and social contact, and by providing psychological and physiological restoration. Evidence further suggests that there may be synergies between the three. There is suffi cient evidence to support the assertion that natural environments promote health and can act as supportive environments for therapies. This is often stated in Danish health and nature policies. But how can research results be used in practice? Our hypothesis is that everything marked green on a city map cannot promote health or serve as a setting for therapies per se. More knowledge concerning nature qualities and evidence-based health design is needed. Therefore the University of Copenhagen has established the Nature, Health & Design Laboratory that consists of two settings; the Health Forest (health promotion), and the Healing Forest Garden Nacadia (treatment of stress). Different nature characteristics’ impact on health is being tested using both physiological tests and psychological, validated assessments. In a randomized clinical trial the effect of nature-based therapy in Nacadia and the impact of nature experiences are being studied. Preliminary results will be presented.
The infl uence of urban nature environments on stress relief — a fi eld experiment. Tyrväinen, L., Ojala, A. (Finnish Forest Research Institute, Finland; liisa.tyrvainen@metla.fi ; ann.ojala@metla.fi ), Korpela, K. (University of Tampere, Finland;
kalevi.korpela@uta.fi ), Lanki, T. (National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland; timo.lanki@thl.fi ).
More evidence and systematic research is needed on the psychological and physiological health effects of urban nature areas.
This presentation is about the psychological and physiological stress reducing effects of different urban green areas based on an experimental study. We chose three different experimental sites within Helsinki city, the capital of Finland. The study sites were a constructed urban park, large urban woodland and the city centre of Helsinki. We used several psychological and physiological measures for measuring stress relief such as the Restorative Outcome Scale and Perceived Restorativeness Scale physiological measures including salivary cortisol concentration, blood pressure and heart rate variability. The experiment consisted of a 15-minutes viewing session which was followed by a 30-minute walking session on a given course. The fi nal sample consisted of 77 healthy, non-smoking participants between 30–61 years of age. The data were analysed in SPSS, using repeated-measure ANOVA. Our results showed that there was a clear difference between the city centre and urban nature areas. The participants felt more restored after visiting green areas, compared to the city centre. The differences between the urban green areas were smaller.
However, the urban woodland had somewhat more restorative qualities than urban park.
Long-term monitoring of health effects of urban forests in Hangzhou, China. Ye, B. (Chinese Academy of Forestry, China;
yb70@caf.ac.cn), Zhang, T. (Forestry Bureau of Guangan City, China, China; zhangyanli_qinyu@163.com), Zhang, Z.
(Beijing Forestry University, China; zzy100083@163.com), He, Q. (Hangzhou Forestry Academy, China; heqijiang@21cn.com).
Various researchers have shown that urban forests can help to improve the health of urban residents. However, it is still very diffi cult to quantify the magnitude of the health benefi ts and use the information to guide the planting and maintenance of urban forests. In this study, a long-term monitoring approach was developed to track the dynamic of the health benefi t of urban forests.
Seven environmental variables that are closely associated with urban forests were selected as measurable indexes of health effects that urban forests can produce. Their spatial-temporal variations in a sub-tropical city in China were monitored by using six automated monitoring platforms. In this report, the rationale of the monitoring protocol, set-up of the platform, and the initial results are reported. Some recommendations on enhancing the health effects of the urban forest are suggested.
Posters
A study of Japanese attitudes toward coniferous forests and pollen allergy. Kawase, M. (Kyoto University, Japan;
kawase.mari.75x@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp).
In Japan, the forestry policy during the 1960s was to cut down broadleaf trees and plant coniferous trees in order to produce construction wood. Now, approximately 40% of Japanese forest is plantation forest. However, reduced harvesting has resulted in these plantations producing much pollen. Allergy to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) pollen is a serious health problem in Japan. The fi rst case of Japanese cedar pollen allergy was recognized in 1964. Now, it is thought that 10~30% of people in Japan have pollen allergies. This study investigated Japanese people’s attitudes toward plantation forests and their opinions regarding the pollen allergy problem. Understanding their attitudes and opinions is important for developing forest management strategies. The study administered a questionnaire about the pollen allergy problem in three cities. The people surveyed were of the opinion that several factors cause pollen allergy: pollen, which is the main factor, and air pollution, caused by smoke and gases. Opinions about the pollen allergy problem differ between those with and without pollen allergy.
Green spaces at the work place and allergic sensitization of offi ce workers in the city and forest. Lee, J., Park, S., Jeong, M., Yoo, R., Kim, J. (Korea Forest Research Institute, Republic of Korea; jeong86@forest.go.kr; sjpark@forest.go.kr;
miaejeong630@gmail.com; cham0505@forest.go.kr; jjkim@forest.go.kr).
The prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis has increased in recent decades globally. Previous studies suggested that environmental factors may infl uence the development of allergic diseases, but the relationship between environmen-tal factors and allergic diseases remains unclear. Green spaces are also known as one of the factors that can affect allergic diseases. It has been suggested that green spaces could improve both perceived and objective physical, mental health and well-being. It is associated with increased physical activity, decreased stress level and improved people’s life quality. Although we spent at least 40 hours per week in the work place, there is little evidence on the impact of green space on offi ce workers.
The objective of our study is to identify an impact between green spaces at the work place and worker’s allergic sensitization.
For this study, a modifi ed International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used to survey two different work places in Korea in September and October, 2013. We performed a questionnaire survey and skin prick test with 29 common allergens. To analyze, we measured work place indoor and outdoor air quality and individual factors like smoking patterns and medical history.
Analyzing the willingness for cooperation between forest and health experts in improving people’s health in Germany.
Meyer, K. (University of Göttingen, Germany; katharina.meyer@forst.uni-goettingen.de).
As a result of sedentary lifestyles and continuously growing stressors, the number of people suffering from civilization diseases has increased, particularly in developed countries. Concerning forest visits, experiences and their health benefi ts, especially with respect to the reduction of stress, Germany has hardly conducted any explicit projects. The objective of this study is to gain information about forest and health experts’ willingness to cooperate in order to analyze the effect of forest exposures and people’s health improvement in Germany. The methodology approach will be built on guideline-based interviews with experts representing both sectors. At fi rst, foresters and forest supervisors on one side and general practitioners and psychologists on the other will be asked for their judgments concerning the importance of forest exposures for people’s health. Furthermore they will be asked to estimate the willingness for cooperation of their respective sector in general. Respondents will also be asked what kind of cooperation between the forest and medicine sectors are imaginable, to what extent, and what kind of barriers have to be overcome to realize them. Data will be collected and analyzed during the fi rst quarter of 2014. The results will help to establish a frame for potential cooperation projects in prospective research.
A cost-benefi t framework for urban green areas in the case of intensifying urban development. Rekola, M. (University of Helsinki, Finland; mika.rekola@helsinki.fi ).
Intensifying urban and suburban development is a target in several cities around Europe. The benefi ts of intensifi ed development include, among others, housing services and reduced travel costs. Costs are related to losses in urban green areas: their potential for recreation and thus reducing health benefi ts. The paper proposes a cost-benefi t framework for urban green areas in the case of intensifying urban development. The Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) model by the World Health Organization (WHO) can be used to measure the benefi ts of walking and bicycling. The model is used to inform cost-benefi t analysis in planning cases for a new piece of cycling or walking infrastructure. The model is based on research on the relationship between physical activity and health and economic estimates of value of statistical life. First, the population incurred is estimated and relative risks of those doing recreation frequently are compared to those doing infrequently. The time of intervention, rate of return and the statistical value of life are then used as parameters. Other benefi ts of urban areas are taken into account as well. For instance, aesthetic values can be estimated using hedonic pricing. The comprehensive cost-benefi t framework is needed to properly account different benefi ts and avoid double-accounting.
The effects of forest therapy utilizing regional abandoned forests in Japan. Uehara, I. (Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan; bigrock1964@hotmail.com).
Many studies have reported that forests can promote human health. Forest amenities might have the effects of preventing illness, all while providing a relaxing place, a rehabilitative environment, a care & treatment place for disabilities, a peaceful counseling space, and so forth. By experiencing forest activities over a longer period of time, clients with mental, psychological, and physical disabilities may improve their conditions. On the other hand, a lack of appropriate forest management has resulted in what is called “abandoned forests”, and has remarkably increased in Japan. This study introduces cases of forest activities,
“Forest Therapy (Shinrin Ryoho)”, utilizing a regional abandoned forest in Japan. The clients were people with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental illness, cognitive impairment (dementia), and others. After experiencing the forest therapy activities, not only did client’s physical & mental conditions improve, but the forest’s environmental conditions also improved.
These fi ndings suggest that “Forest Therapy” can benefi t both humans and forests.
The perception of internet users regarding to human health benefi ts provided by urban green areas. Viezzer, J., Biondi Batista, D. (Federal University of Paraná, Brazil; jeviezzer@yahoo.com.br; dbiondi@ufpr.br).
Urban green areas provide ecological, aesthetic and social benefi ts, and, among them, benefi ts regarding human health. Urban green areas provide emotional and spiritual fulfi llment, promote a faster recovery of hospital patients, and help reduce the stress levels of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of internet users regarding human health benefi ts provided by urban green areas. Thereby, a survey was designed and published online on Google Docs and released through social networks. 180 responses were gathered. The internet users utilize urban green areas from once a month to once a week (70%), and practice rest and leisure (73%), physical activities (49%), socializing and meeting (46%), and contact with nature (44%).
The majority replied that some kind of health benefi t was provided by the use of urban green areas (51%). Of these, 58%
mentioned benefi ts to physical health, since urban green areas provide physical activity exercising, fi tness, weight loss and recovery of respiratory diseases, and 46% mentioned benefi ts to mental health, since urban green areas provide relaxation, well-being, leisure and emotional comfort. Even though the majority of internet users notice the benefi ts provided by urban green areas, many responded that they have not obtained any benefi ts. This suggests that internet users do not realize the infl uence of the mentioned activities on human health.
Sovereignty of Indonesian biodiversity conservation and health through development of “Kampung Konservasi”. Zuhud, E.
(Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Indonesia; ervizal_amzu@yahoo.com), Hikmat, A. (Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Indonesia; ahikmat62@yahoo.com), Damayanti, E., Metananda, A. (Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Indonesia; e11yn.d4mayanti@gmail.com; arya_arismaya@yahoo.co.id).
Indonesian tropical natural forest is very important to support human health, especially as the sources of material and services for livelihood sovereignty and human health. The tropical forest consisting of various types of forest ecosystem from mountain to the shore is the source of more than 2 000 species of medicinal plants that make human and livestock healthy. Deforestation is still a threat for the loss of biodiversity in Indonesia. Indonesia has a big chance to actively participate in developing a healthy body and mind of world society, through development of “Sovereignty of Indonesian Biodiversity Conservation and Health”.
“PANCASILA” is the unifi cation tool for our nation and the world’s peace. There are three stimuli as prerequisites for conservation, namely “voluntary stimulus”, “natural stimulus” and “benefi t/use stimulus” and the implementation of values in the community such as fair, civilized, and sovereign values. This paper reveals the research results of several kampongs of local communities in Indonesia. The efforts to develop biodiversity conservation kampong in each ecosystem of kampong village throughout Indonesia today and in the future must be maintained as the prerequisite for the nation’s sovereignty to face globalization.