More than 300 Spanish mountain municipalities have launched a manifesto highlighting the role of nature in improving mental health. The initiative, supported by scientists, athletes adn authorities, advocates the inclusion of “nature’s prescription” in public policies to promote global well-being.
Within the scope of International Mountain dayTHE Spanish Association of Mountain Municipalities,ItMountainspresented the manifesto,which highlights the positive impact of connecting with nature on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The document is supported by 300 Spanish mountain municipalities, by personalities from the world of sport such as Edurne pasabán, the first female mountaineer to reach the summit of the 14 Eight-thousanders and Aymar Navarro, extreme skier, and by the university scientific community.
From EsMontañas they explain that, according to scientific evidence, regular contact with nature reduces stress, improves mental health and encourages physical activity.
“We want nature to be seen not only as a resource for leisure, but as an essential element for people’s health and well-being,” indicates the association.
Scientific support
Amparo Oliver, professor and director of the ARMAQoL research group of the faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy at the University of Valencia (UV), adds to the manifesto the scientific evidence of natural prescription, based on the conclusions of recent research demonstrating the benefits of prescriptions of nature for social well-being.
Thus, in a meta-analysis of 971 investigations, it is confirmed that the integration of natural spaces into daily life can reduce cortisol, stress, visits to health centers and reduce healthcare costs.
According to the professor, in Japan the forest medicine through the Green Social Prescription“instead of prescribing drugs, they prescribe stays, excursions or activities in nature with a social component”.
Oliver says research shows these practices can mean a Save up to 42% on basic queries and decreasing by one 23% in accidents and emergencies.
Reduction of symptoms of stress and anxiety; improve mental health in episodes of mild depression; and increased physical activity, with positive effects on cardiovascular health, are othre benefits revealed by university research.
mobilize to prescribe nature
The manifesto does not only aim to raise public awareness healthy benefits of connecting with mountainbut also mobilize key players in Spanish society to join the initiative.
Among EsMontañas’ proposals, the incorporation of Natural prescription programs in the National Health System (SNS)as well as the promotion of outdoor activities from the institutional, educational, entrepreneurial and cultural spheres.
Also, the mountain climber Edurne Pasabán and the extreme skier Aymar Navarro They were the first voices in the field of mountaineering to support this manifesto as ambassadors of the initiative.
Both tell us in a video released on the occasion of International Mountain Day how their connection with the mountains has transformed their lives.
“The mountains gave me serenity and strength, helping me overcome tough moments. I am convinced that they can be a powerful tool to improve our mental health,” says
For his part, Navarro underlines that “living and training in the mountains has taught me that contact with nature is not only therapeutic, but vital for our physical and emotional balance”.
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Photo provided by the Spanish Association of Mountain Municipalities, EsMontañas.
” data-medium-file=” data-large-file=” alt=”Nature mental health” class=”wp-image-363375 lazyload” src=” srcset=” 1020w, 300w, 768w, 800w, 600w, 400w, 200w” data-sizes=”auto” data-eio-rwidth=”1020″ data-eio-rheight=”765″/>Photo provided by the Spanish Association of Mountain Municipalities, EsMontañas.
Commitments
The participants in the manifesto establish 6 commitments to be respected:
- Recognize and spread the benefits of nature for people’s well-being and health: Increase public awareness of the positive effects that interacting with natural spaces has on health,such as reducing stress,improving mood,increasing physical activity and strengthening the immune system.
- Integrating nature into healthcare: Collaborate with public and private healthcare systems to include “natural prescribing” as part of medical recommendations, notably in the treatment of chronic diseases, mental health disorders and physical rehabilitation.
- Facilitate access to natural spaces: promote policies and projects that improve accessibility to parks, forests, beaches, mountains and other natural environments for the entire population, with particular attention to people residing in urban areas and vulnerable communities.
- Promote environmental education: promote the knowlege and appreciation of nature at all educational levels as a fundamental part of the integral development of people.
- Support scientific research: collaborate in the development of studies that deepen our understanding of the effects of nature on health, to strengthen the scientific basis of this initiative.
- Integrating nature into culture and sport: integrate nature into sporting events, corporate events, cultural productions and recreational activities, with the aim of promoting a lifestyle that enhances the connection with the natural habitat.
Call to action
The document of ItMountains It also includes a call to action. They call:
- State health authorities and regional governments to integrate “natural prescription” programs into public health policies.
- The companies develop projects that promote outdoor activities and respect for the environment.
- Public personalities contribute their valuable influence to led by example and be ambassadors for this initiative.
- society as a whole enhance and protect natural spaces as an essential resource for collective well-being.
#Nature #recipe #care #mental #health
What are the mental health benefits of spending time in nature according to experts?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Amparo Oliver, Expert in Mental Health and Nature
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Amparo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today.Your involvement in the recent manifesto supporting the inclusion of nature in public health policies is both exciting and timely. Can you tell us what initially inspired this initiative among Spanish mountain municipalities?
Amparo Oliver: Thank you for having me! The inspiration stemmed from a growing recognition of the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. More than 300 mountain municipalities came together to advocate for what we call “nature’s prescription.” Thay understand that nature is not just a recreational resource, but a critical component of our overall well-being. Collaborating with athletes and the scientific community has made this initiative robust.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! You mentioned that this idea is backed by scientific evidence. Can you share some of the key findings that support the notion of natural prescriptions?
Amparo oliver: Absolutely! We recently conducted a meta-analysis of nearly 1,000 studies that demonstrated how integrating natural spaces into our daily lives can considerably reduce stress levels—particularly cortisol—and promote physical activity. In fact, regular contact with nature has been shown to lower the number of visits to healthcare centers and even reduce overall healthcare costs.
Time.news Editor: That’s very compelling. You also touched on the concept of “forest medicine” from Japan, where nature activities are prescribed instead of medication. How effectively do you think this could work in Spain?
Amparo Oliver: The concept is incredibly promising. In Japan,studies show that engaging with nature can lead to as much as a 42% savings in basic healthcare costs and a 23% reduction in emergency incidents. In Spain, with our diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural thankfulness for the outdoors, I believe we could replicate similar success. Incorporating nature-based prescriptions could lead to improved mental health outcomes, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Time.news editor: It sounds like we have a critically important opportunity here. The manifesto aims not just at awareness,but also at mobilizing key players in Spanish society. Can you elaborate on some practical proposals included in the manifesto?
Amparo Oliver: Of course! The manifesto advocates for the incorporation of “Natural Prescription Programs” within Spain’s National Health System.We hope to promote outdoor activities across various sectors—educational, institutional, entrepreneurial, and cultural. We want to mobilize communities to make these nature experiences a part of their routine, combining physical activity with social interactions in natural settings.
time.news Editor: It’s clear that this initiative has powerful backing from both the scientific community and notable athletes like Edurne Pasabán and Aymar Navarro. What impact do you believe their involvement will have on the public’s perception of this initiative?
Amparo oliver: Their involvement adds tremendous credibility. When respected figures in the mountaineering community, like Edurne and Aymar, share their personal experiences of how nature has enriched their lives, it resonates. They serve as ambassadors who can inspire people to embrace the idea of nature as a therapeutic tool. Their narratives underscore the message that engaging with nature can be life-changing, both physically and mentally.
Time.news Editor: As we move towards a future that prioritizes mental wellness, what steps do you think individuals can take today to incorporate more nature into their lives?
Amparo Oliver: It starts with small, mindful steps.individuals can take daily walks in parks or nearby natural spaces, participate in group activities like hiking, or simply spend time in their gardens. The key is to be intentional about making nature a regular part of our daily routines. Even small interactions with nature can lead to meaningful improvements in mental wellness.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Amparo,for sharing your insights with us today. This is an inspiring movement that could potentially redefine how society views health and wellness.
Amparo Oliver: Thank you! I’m excited to see how this initiative unfolds and the positive impacts it can have on people’s lives.The journey has just begun!