Activities
The project unfolds through several Work Packages that comprehensively address the relationship between humans, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity. From managing and coordinating activities to studying the impacts of Nature-Based Therapies (NbTs) on ecosystem and human health, to analyzing the values that guide the human-nature connection, each phase contributes to building new knowledge and best practices.
Work packages:
Project Management and Communication
This activity includes all operations necessary for efficient management and coordination among partners, ensuring that project objectives are met within the planned timeframe and budget. Coordination is led by the lead partner GAL Prealpi e Dolomiti.
Effects of Nature-based Therapies (NbTs) on Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity
WP2, coordinated by the University of Padua, focuses on analyzing the effects of NbTs on biodiversity and defining specific indicators to measure the impact of human-nature interactions on ecosystem health.Main activities include:
- Identifying key parameters to measure and monitor the ecological footprint of NbTs on biodiversity.
- Mapping potential experimental sites (one in Italy and one in Austria).
- Applying a protocol to measure biodiversity and ecosystem health in these areas.
The goal is to design and test surveillance and monitoring systems to track human impacts from NbTs in natural areas, identify potential threats, and propose measures to mitigate negative impacts on nature.
Effects of Natural Ecosystems and Biodiversity on Human Health
WP3, coordinated by PMU in collaboration with the University of Trieste, aims to gather scientific evidence on the effects of contact with nature on human health and well-being, with a focus on vulnerable groups.
Within the protected areas identified in WP2, clinical studies will be conducted with selected groups. While WP2 focuses on ecosystem health, WP3 analyzes human health. Two clinical protocols will be jointly developed to evaluate the impact of NbTs on: a) People with non-communicable diseases in Italy. b) People suffering from insomnia in Austria.
The data collected will be integrated with WP2 findings. To ensure a consistent cross-border approach, strengthen knowledge exchange among professionals, and reduce bias from different implementation methods, a single protocol for NbT application will be developed, along with training pathways for guides.
Intercepting and Promoting New Values in Human-Nature Relationships and Strategies for Biodiversity and Human Health Protection
WP4, coordinated by the University of Padua, aims to investigate whether — and how — experiences of connection with natural ecosystems through NbTs can enhance people’s awareness of the importance of biodiversity protection. This includes examining how such experiences may influence more sustainable forest planning and management.
WP4 aims to foster new values in human-nature relationships and guide strategic planning and management of protected and natural areas within the cross-border program area. UNIPD, in collaboration with all project partners, will develop a protocol to explore the different values respondents recognize in human-nature relationships before and after participation in NbT sessions (WP3) and visits to protected areas.
The protocol will also assess awareness of major European biodiversity policies and the One Health approach. WP4 activities include: i) Developing a protocol to evaluate pro-environmental behavior, human-nature relationship values, and biodiversity-related policy awareness. ii) Implementing the protocol and collecting data within natural areas. iii) Analyzing data and creating a report with strategic recommendations for managing natural areas.
Experiences and Dissemination of Best Practices that Positively Reconnect Humans and Nature
WP5 has several interconnected objectives:
Create networks among stakeholder groups, linking people and cultures across national borders and emphasizing emerging concepts such as One Health, non-human stakeholders, socio-ecological regeneration, and transformative pathways based on systemic thinking and sustainability.
Share experiences and actions that promote care for the environment and, consequently, for human health.
Foster reflection and awareness on healthier lifestyles through outdoor visits and human-nature connection experiences to support healthier people in better-protected environments.
Clarify the roles of public authorities in combining healthcare and nature management sectors.
Design and test participatory, creative, and art-based tools to engage socio-ecological communities (including non-human stakeholders) and improve social and individual health.
Encourage the emergence of relational values with nature and reflection on other values attributed to it, initiating individual and collective transformative pathways.
Raise awareness and strengthen knowledge through practical NbT experiences with diverse groups from Italy and Austria.
Stimulate national and regional debates on the value of nature and mountain areas, with a focus on the Alps.
