Held over two days in the ancient forests of Strâmbu-Băiuț in Romania’s Maramureș region, the International Symposium of Therapy brought together researchers, practitioners, public institutions, and local organizations to examine a question gaining ground across Europe: how can time spent in nature contribute to healthier people, a stronger social fabric, and more resilient ecosystems?
Ancient Forests, Modern Science: What Brought Researchers to Maramureș
Supported by WWF Romania and organized through a partnership between local authorities, environmental organizations, and cultural institutions, the symposium reflected the growing interest in nature-based initiatives for Planetary Health and wellbeing. It also highlighted the pioneering role of Walter Übelhart, whose vision and leadership were at the origin of these efforts in Romania.
Over the course of two days, participants explored topics ranging from forest therapy and integrative medicine to biodiversity, neuroscience, longevity, and environmental stewardship.
For FTHub, the event was another opportunity to strengthen the international network of researchers, practitioners, and institutions working at the intersection of health, nature, and evidence-informed practice.
What the Speakers Explored: From Balneology to Brain Activity
Each speaker brought their own perspective to the debate.
From an ecological standpoint, Radu Melu from WWF Romania highlighted the significance of Romania’s ancient forests, not only as biodiversity hotspots but also as living systems that carry cultural, scientific, and planetary value. His contribution grounded the discussions in the reality of intact forest ecosystems that still exist in Maramureș, and their relevance for conservation and human wellbeing alike.
Building on the human relationship with these environments, Walter Übelhart introduced Forest Bathing as a way of understanding how biodiversity and actively engaging our senses can support processes of regeneration and reconnection. Rather than treating the forest as a backdrop, his perspective emphasized it as a space of interaction between people and the ecosystem.
From the field of medicine, Prof. Dr. Gabriela Dogaru explored how balneology, clinical recovery, and forest therapy can intersect within modern healthcare, pointing to a future in which natural environments complement medical treatments rather than existing alongside them.
Forest Bathing for Chronic Illness and Long Covid: Prof. Dr. Kirsten McEwan’s Contribution
Prof. Dr. Kirsten McEwan, an FTHub Professor whose research and professional work continue to advance forest therapy and nature-based health approaches across Europe, focused on Forest Bathing for chronic illness, expanding on the role of nature in the recovery from long covid.
FTHub’s Trainer Alex Gesse looked at this from a wider perspective, dedicating his talk to exploring the rapid evolution of nature-based health initiatives worldwide and the increasing integration of forest therapy into health promotion, prevention strategies, and wellbeing programs.
Bringing the discussion into technology and perception, Prof. Dr. Doru Ursuțiu together with Prof. Emeritus Dr. Cornel Samoilă examined how sound, virtual instruments, and technological interfaces can interact with therapeutic practices, asking questions about how senses beyond vision and movement may influence wellbeing.
Measuring the Forest: Physiological Data from the Strâmbești Experience
Throughout the symposium, a common theme emerged: forests are no longer viewed solely as spaces for conservation or recreation, but increasingly as places that can contribute to human health, social wellbeing, and ecological awareness.
This shift is helping drive new forms of collaboration across disciplines and countries, while supporting the development of evidence-informed Nature-Based Interventions. Through initiatives such as the Forest Therapy Institute Lab, the FTHub Method and LIM Model continue to contribute to this growing field by connecting scientific research, professional practice, and implementation on the ground.
A forest therapy experience was held in the UNESCO-listed Strâmbești Forests, where participants took part in guided activities while physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and brain activity were monitored before and after the experience.
From the Margins to the Centre: Nature-Based Health in European Healthcare
With its ancient forests and mountains, the landscapes of Maramureș played an active role in shaping the experience. Băiuț became, for these two days, more than a place on the map.
In doing so, the Băiuț gathering went beyond academia and science, opening a wider conversation on how people connect with nature within an increasingly disconnected world, and on the shift in perspective that sees nature-based solutions moving from the margins of the healthcare sector toward a more complete picture of health in Europe.
