Green healing: Ecotherapy as a transformative model of health and social care

Abstract

The healthcare sector significantly contributes to global environmental impacts. While efforts are underway to reduce emissions, this article explores ecotherapy as an innovative approach to treatment and public health that could further mitigate emissions while enhancing health outcomes. Ecotherapy involves nature-based interventions that reconnect individuals with the environment, offering mental and physical health benefits. Evidence indicates that ecotherapy can improve conditions like depression and anxiety, promote social cohesion, and encourage pro-environmental worldviews. Despite its potential, barriers such as cultural perceptions and accessibility issues hinder widespread adoption. The article emphasizes the need for trained practitioners and standardized evaluations to integrate ecotherapy into mainstream health and social care, providing co-benefits for both human and planetary health.

Keywords: community; ecotherapy; nature; nature-based interventions; wellbeing.