NatureHEALTH (KA2019)
Funded by Karelia CBC 2014-2020

Objective of the project

Investigating elements (facilities, services, producers, willingness to develop, scientific evidence, attitudes of decision-makers, knowledge) for improved use of nature as a tool for a better health and wellbeing.

Main activities

• Collection of scientific research data about connection between nature and health. • Interviews of key civil servants in Joensuu and in Petrozavodsk and reporting about their attitudes and possibilities of development of green spaces in their cities. • Interviews of citizens and focus group individuals about their knowledge about connection between nature and health and willingness to use nature in improvement of well-being and health. • Investigation of nature based and ecosystem service producers, both public and private, in North Karelia and Karelia and their willingness to develop supply of nature and health services.

Achievements

The main result of the project is achieved comprehensive understanding of the connection between nature and health and wellbeing. The information was collected in different and diverse ways; by searching and analyzing nature and health related scientific articles and by interviewing nature service procedures, citizens and civil servants of the cities Joensuu and Petrozavodsk. Collected information will increase understanding of various persons and actors about connection between nature and health and wellbeing in the Republic of Karelia and North Karelia. This raises possibility to more active actions to improve and develop nature health services and peoples’ willingness to increase outdoor stay and physical activity in nature.