Forests and human health – literature review

It is assumed that a stay in a forest has positive effects on human health and well-being. The effects of such a stay on humans could be on the cognitive, emotional and physical level. So far, an evidence-based actual and comprehensive literature review on these assumed forest-based health effects seems to be missing. Consequently, potential funding institutions have not enough information for sound decision making, on how future health offers in forests should be defined. This project identifies whether and how a stay in a forest has health effects on humans, based on an actual and comprehensive scientific literature review in the fields of landscape and recreation planning. First recommendations will be developed on how such offers should be defined. This study provides science-based basics for the society, forest owners and forest users and recreation planners. This study is conducted in cooperation with the Medical University Vienna, Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Prof. Dr. Renate Cervinka, who guides this project.