Nature Prescription - introduction of nature-based methods in municipalities

The Nature Prescription project intend to increase the use of effective nature-based practices in health promotion in municipalities. During the project municipal employees and their collaborators get new knowledge and practical experience in supporting the well-being of residents with a nature-based mode of action. With the help of trainings, nature prescription pilots and their evaluation, new information is produced on the benefits of nature and the possibilities for its application in municipalities.

Guided support for the well-being of local residents and encouragement for self-motivated maintenance of well-being with the help of nature-based actions may reduce the differences in well-being, morbidity and the demand for health services between different socio-economic groups. In client work, nature-assisted methods can also be used to equalise the encounter between a professional and a client, increase the client's motivation to promote their own well-being, support the client's physical and mental functional capacity and everyday life resources, and increase the experience of inclusion in the surrounding nature and society.

The project engages in regional, national and international research and development cooperation with other actors, programmes and projects of the same theme. In particular, cooperation is carried out with the Finnish Sustainable Growth (RRP) Programme and its regional projects, the national health promotion service concept coordinated by National Institute for Health and Welfare, and other regional, national and international projects related to the theme. The researchers of the project are part of the multidisciplinary Finnish Nature & Health research network.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health from the appropriation for health promotion in 2024-2026. The pilot cities and co-financiers are the cities of Kajaani and Lahti. A Health Forest linked specifically to social welfare and health care has been built in the pilot cities. The objective of the pilot cities is to expand the use of both the Health Forests and other nature recreation areas in the promotion of well-being and health and to strengthen the knowledge base on the benefits of natural environments. The results of the project and communication materials will be available to all municipalities.