The University of British Columbia (UBC) is set to host, in collaboration with the Forest Therapy Hub through the FTI Lab, and other organizations, the highly anticipated 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy – Healing with Nature, taking place from August 9th to 11th, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada.
This global gathering will bring together scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and nature enthusiasts to explore Forest Therapy in all its dimensions and its growing impact on health and well-being. Building on the success of the inaugural conference in 2022 , this year’s event promises fresh insights, groundbreaking research, and invaluable networking opportunities within this rapidly expanding field.
The conference, hosted by UBC, also the Forest Therapy Hub through its FTI Lab and other partners will delve into emerging themes that highlight the evolving landscape of Forest Therapy. These key areas include urban wellness, the integration of technology in nature-based interventions, the incorporation of Forest Therapy into public health systems, and the development of innovative policy frameworks. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Vancouver’s stunning natural landscapes while connecting with internationally acclaimed experts in the field.
The program will feature a diverse range of activities, including inspiring keynote speeches from thought leaders such as Dr. Ralf Buckley, Dr. Kathleen Wolf, Dr. Gregory Bratman, Dr. Susan Abookire, Mr. Alex Gesse, Dr. Chung-Ho Lin, Dr. Margaret Hansen, Dr. Bernard Perley, Ms. Nagisa Ono, and Dr. Guangyu Wang, who is also the Director of the UBC’s Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy (MINT) and guest Professor at the renowned FTHub Summer School Vancouver and FTHub Summer School Barcelona, taking place in June and July this year.
Of particular note is the participation of Alex Gesse, the Executive Director of the Forest Therapy Hub and co-leader of the Forest Therapy Institute Lab. Together with a multidisciplinary team, he has developed the FTHub Method, the LIM Model, and the 5 Components of Nature-Based Interventions—integrative approaches that combine scientific evidence on nature and health with traditional nature-connectedness practices. Gesse also co-leads NATURELAB, a European Union-funded research project with a €6 million grant, focusing on the design, implementation, and validation of nature-based therapies. Furthermore, he is involved in PHorestAll, another European Union-funded project that explores the connection between forest health, biodiversity, and human well-being to identify “Healing Forests” and promote forests as nature-based solutions for global health and environmental challenges.
In addition to keynote presentations, the conference will feature interactive panel discussions, allowing for dynamic engagement between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. A significant highlight will be hands-on field sessions, providing participants with a direct experience of Forest Therapy in Vancouver’s breathtaking natural surroundings.
The conference will also address timely topics such as the latest public health strategies, digital tools being utilized in the field, and sustainable funding models that are shaping the future of Forest Therapy.
The 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy will focus on four key themes: current research in Forest Therapy, the integration of Forest Therapy into public health systems, Forest Therapy policy and practice, and emerging technologies in Forest Therapy. The call for abstract submissions is open until March 31, 2025, offering researchers the chance to showcase their work and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field. Accepted participants can choose between oral or poster presentations.
Registration for the conference is also open, with early bird rates available until April 30, 2025. The conference program includes an opening ceremony and keynote speeches on the first day, thematic sessions and panel discussions on the second, and an optional excursion to Vancouver’s iconic natural sites on the final day. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations looking to support the conference and showcase their involvement in the field.
This landmark event presents a crucial platform for shaping the future of Forest Therapy on a global scale. By bringing together diverse perspectives and powering collaboration, the 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy – Healing with Nature, hosted by UBC with the active participation of the Forest Therapy Hub through the Forest Therapy Institute Lab, and other partner organizations, aims to advance the understanding and implementation of nature-based solutions for health and well-being in an era increasingly marked by urbanization and mental health challenges.
