Nature’s effect on health can offer major cost savings and boost well-being  

By increasing the amount of nature contact for Finns and providing more high-quality local natural environments, it is possible to achieve significant savings in healthcare costs and enhance individual well-being. 

Exposure to nature's diverse microbial community has been found to benefit the human immune system. Effective regulation of the human immune system is associated with a lower risk of developing immune-mediated diseases such as atopic eczema. Spending time and moving in nature supports and improves mental health, while also providing economic benefits to the health sector as a preventive factor. 

Our researchers have studied the effects of nature on human wellbeing and health with several research partners (e.g. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL, Universities of Helsinki and Tampere, Nordic Healthcare Group) using experimental and statistical methods. 

Nature contributes to mental wellbeing 

A study based on Nordic research literature shows that Finnish nature can provide up to hundreds of millions of euros in annual benefits preventing depression, type 2 diabetes and medical treatment of asthma alone. The research evidence on the health benefits of nature is particularly strong in promoting mental wellbeing. For example, nature protects against depression, relieves stress and improves mood.  

In Belgium, for example, it has been estimated that the overall economic value of the health benefits of nature is €464 per capita per year. This would mean up to €2.5 billion in benefits per year for Finland's population. Experts from Luke, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Nordic Healthcare Group assessed the health benefits of nature, and their economic importance funded by SITRA. 

Putting knowledge into practice in healthcare 

We continue to scale up the research with partners in numerous pilot projects started in 2024 aiming to harness the benefits of contact with nature as part of healthcare. We also continue research on nature’s effect on wellbeing with, for example, different virtual reality solutions,  and develop research collaboration by coordinating the Nature & Health research network.