On 10 June 2019 the result of a Delphi expert elicitation process with 19 experts from seven countries was executed to identify the different forms that nature-based interventions (NBIs) take, the potential health outcomes and the target beneficiaries. In total, 27 NBIs were identified, aiming to prevent illness, promote wellbeing and treat specific physical, mental or social health and wellbeing conditions.

The nature-based interventions were broadly categorized into those that change the environment in which people live, work, learn, recreate or heal (for example, the provision of gardens in hospitals or parks in cities) and those that change behaviour (for example, engaging people through organized programmes or other activities). The researcher team also noted the range of factors (such as socioeconomic variation) that will inevitably influence the extent to which these interventions succeed.

The research team conclude with a call for research to identify the drivers influencing the effectiveness of NBIs in enhancing health and wellbeing.

Nature For Health will address nature-based interventions in the practise of health care in the context of projects we currently have in development, together with partners.

Source:  Nature–Based Interventions for Improving Health and Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes, MDPI, Open Source Journals, https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/7/6/141