2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy
The 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy was held from August 09-11, 2025 at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Under the theme Healing with Nature, the conference advanced international dialogue on forest therapy research, public health integration, policy, professional practice, and emerging technologies.
Conference focus
- Research and evidence: Current scientific knowledge on forest therapy, nature-based health, mental wellbeing, physiological outcomes, and community health.
- Public health integration: Pathways for connecting forest therapy with healthcare systems, prevention, rehabilitation, education, and community wellbeing programs.
- Policy and professional practice: Discussion on standards, training, certification, ethical practice, implementation models, and quality assurance.
- Emerging technologies: Exploration of digital tools, immersive nature environments, simulated forest therapy, and technology-supported practice.
Program highlights
- Keynote presentations from international scholars, clinicians, policymakers, and field leaders.
- Thematic sessions on forest therapy research, public health systems, policy, practice, and technology.
- Interactive panels on embedding nature-based therapies into healthcare, academic curricula, and professional training frameworks.
- Hands-on field experiences and forest therapy sessions in Vancouver’s natural settings.
- International exchange among researchers, practitioners, educators, healthcare professionals, and institutional partners.
Why the conference mattered
For ICFT, the second conference reinforced the importance of credible standards, research-informed training, transparent certification, cross-sector collaboration, and ethical practice. It showed how forest therapy can contribute to public health, mental wellbeing, ecological responsibility, professional education, and community resilience when supported by clear governance and international cooperation.
The conference also helped connect scientific research with practical implementation. Its discussions continue to inform ICFT’s work in developing international standards, certification pathways, accredited training frameworks, and expert committee collaboration for the responsible growth of forest therapy worldwide.
Date: August 09-11, 2025
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Theme: Healing with Nature
Original organizer: UBC Faculty of Forestry, Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy