International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance

The International Core Curriculum for Forest Therapy (ICCFT) sets the global benchmark for professional Forest Therapy Guide training.

Developed by INFTA and validated by more than 120 international experts from 20 countries, the ICCFT provides a structured, evidence-based framework that prepares Forest Therapy Guides to deliver safe, ethical and effective practice worldwide. The six-months curriculum combines online learning, practical training and assessments to build internationally recognised competencies.

Learn more about the ICCFT and the global standard for Forest Therapy education.

🌿 https://infta.net/education/iccft/

The single greatest achievement of mankind is very likely the increase in life expectancy which has occurred in the twentieth century. Helping people age well is one of public health's greatest challenges.

The evidence is clear: positive ageing is influenced not only by healthcare, but also by the environments in which people live, move, connect and restore. Access to green spaces, regular physical activity, meaningful social relationships and opportunities to spend time in nature all contribute to better physical, mental and cognitive health throughout later life.

Forest Therapy is an evidence-informed nature-based practice that complements healthy ageing by encouraging gentle movement, stress reduction, social connection and restorative experiences in natural settings.

As populations continue to age worldwide, creating communities that support healthy ageing is becoming increasingly important. Positive ageing is not about adding years to life alone—it is about adding life to those years.

Research
• World Health Organization. Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
• Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett & Andy Jones (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure.
• Ming Shang et al. (2025). Frontiers in Psychology – Meta-analysis of Forest Therapy and mental health outcomes.

How can nature help us create stronger social connections?

Our latest article explores the growing conversation around loneliness, the importance of meaningful connection, and what current research tells us about the role of nature and Forest Therapy.

📖 Read the full article:
https://infta.net/nature-forest-therapy-and-social-connection/

This Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), we're reminded that 1 in 2 Australians experience loneliness or social isolation.

Connection isn't a luxury, it's essential for our health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

At INFTA, we believe that spending time in nature and creating opportunities for meaningful connection can help build healthier, more connected communities.

Learn more and explore the official Social Disconnection in Australia – Snapshot 2026 infographic:
https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LAW-2026-Infographic.pdf

Around the world, cities and communities are investing more in parks, gardens, and green infrastructure — an important step toward healthier environments. At the same time, research continues to explore why access alone does not always produce consistent wellbeing outcomes across populations.

This has led to growing interest in structured and intentional ways of engaging with nature that can support accessibility, inclusion, and more meaningful experiences. As nature-based approaches evolve, professional training, ethical frameworks, and evidence-informed practice are becoming increasingly important across healthcare, education, and community settings.

The conversation is no longer only about whether people can access nature, but also about how people experience it. 🌱

Sources:
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2016). Urban Green Spaces and Health: A Review of Evidence. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe.

- Astell-Burt, T., & Feng, X. (2019). Association of urban green space with mental health and general health among adults in Australia. JAMA Network Open, 2(7), e198209. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.8209

- Juntti, M., & Ozsezer-Kurnuc, S. (2023). Factors influencing the realisation of the social impact of urban nature. Ecological Economics, 211, 107884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107884

- Lin, B. B., & Andersson, E. (2023). A transdisciplinary framework to unlock the potential benefits of green spaces for urban communities under changing contexts. BioScience, 73(3), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad009

- Happiness in Urban Green Spaces: A Systematic Literature Review. (2023). Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.

Congratulations Steve! Silent Tours

Some tours fill every silence. This one invites you to embrace it 🍃

Swap constant commentary for birdsong, waterfalls and the quiet magic of the Kimberley on this one-of-a-kind experience, where slowing down is part of the journey. You might just discover that the moments with nothing to say are the ones you'll remember most... 🌱