Natural landscapes and human health: an introduction and overview.

This book chapter approaches the linkage between natural landscapes and human health through the lens of two guiding questions, the first considering the various ways nature benefits human health from both historic and contemporary perspectives, and the second considering the mechanisms through which this relationship occurs. In doing so, we consider the ways societies and cultures have mediated our relationship with the natural world over time, and the ways human health and planetary health are intertwined. It also examines these influences by providing an overview of what is currently known about specific variables, such as physical activity in natural landscapes, as well as discussing some of the past and current theories that seek to explain how these connections actually work. The book provides a bridge between what we do (individually and collectively) in natural settings and how those actions impact our health and our relationships with the natural world. The hope is that the information presented here empowers students and professionals to learn more and to be part of the rich dialogue occurring in many disciplines to help find ways to increase well-being for all people. The aim is for the readers to think critically about research and be able to analyse and evaluate the results. The bottom line, based on the undertaking of this book and the experience of the authors, is that nature has been and continues to be essential and incredibly positive for human life, and that mutualistic and reciprocal connections with nature will positively influence human development, health, and wellbeing.

Natural landscapes and the health crisis.

This book chapter focuses on how landscapes can be harmful to human health and wellbeing and suggests possible strategies for reparation and to regain a reciprocal relationship with landscapes. Climate change, Indigenous practices, and ecological grief are discussed, as well as health risks from polluted environments, fire, ocean levels, glaciers, and biodiversity.

Connecting with landscapes: intentional access to green space.

This book chapter begins with a discussion of environmental narratives and the ways they shape their collective beliefs about natural landscapes, and then presents conservation and preservation ideas and strategies followed by a variety of approaches to integrating nature into the places and landscapes where people live, focusing on (1) environmental narratives, (2) conservation and preservation, (3) green by design, and (4) socioecological approach to human health. People from many disciplines have an opportunity to bring nature and people together in forms that can be experienced through everyday life. Simultaneously, we can continue to protect larger conservation areas in ways that are socially just, helping to combat global warming while protecting ways of life, Indigenous knowledge, and human dignity. The future of the planet depends on acting both locally and globally while helping individual people access a sense of connection to the natural world that translates to action to safeguard it for future generations.

Applications: facilitating healthy connections with nature.

This book chapter discuss the applications of different bodies of research show similar conclusions: exposure to natural landscapes is an essential part of human development, health, and healing, focusing on children, families, schools, camps, and outdoor programmes, therapeutic applications, diversity, as well as other cultural frameworks (e.g. traditional ecological knowledge, and pilgrimages and iconic landforms).

Outcomes, benefits, and opportunities: western research trends.

This book chapter discusses and presents some of the research outcomes connecting human well-being and landscapes and explores the complexities inherent in the development of a field of study. In learning more about the research, it encourages readers to keep in mind: (1) a primary goal of researching landscapes and human interactions is to help us discover more about creating or maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between humans and natural landscapes based on an understanding that the two are entwined (2) it is less expensive (financially, psychologically, and socially) to keep people healthy than to have people regain their health. If nature is accessible and helps people stay healthy, there are positive financial implications for healthcare (3) studying human interactions with landscapes through a systems approach is required to successfully operationalise and apply research to address well-being concerns equitably and globally. Socioecological research-based solutions consider a system of wellbeing incorporating both human health and environmental health (4) the positive health benefits of exposure to land and seascapes on human systems are not accessible to all populations because of economic disparities, location, and health conditions, and (5) globally, nature and human well-being relationship findings have useful implications for individual well-being, public health, and landscape design.

Human perceptions of nature.

This book chapter discuss various world views, i.e. worldviews and science, worldviews and natural landscapes, nature embodiment stage (enchanted cosmos: valuing birth, death, reciprocity), Nature-culture duality stage (power over nature, including other humans), mechanical universe stage (resource extraction), modern technology stage (estrangement from nature), and crossroads (liminal state).

Theories and concepts: linking landscapes and health.

This book chapter provides an introduction and background information for many of these theories, concluding with practical applications, focusing on evolutionary-based theories (e.g. biophilia hypothesis, naturalistic intelligence, other evolutionary-grounded theories), restorative environment theories (stress reduction theory, attention restoration theory), identity theories, and other psychological theories and concepts. The ideas presented in this chapter arise from different ways of thinking about or explaining this phenomenon, using a particular language and worldview. A strength of the research paradigm is that it enables scientists and researchers to communicate about this engrained bodily knowledge and integrate it into ongoing theory and practice in disciplines such as medicine, public health, planning, and education that impact our day-to-day lives. Slowly but surely, Western scientific research has begun to accept other worldviews and ideas, and this diversity of thought provides greater understanding of the world around us. Much of the research presented in the next chapter builds on the foundation of the theories presented here.

Conclusions and desired future: take a park, not a pill.

This book chapter seeks to answer questions from: research and evidence, developing a sustainable and desired future, health needs and aspirations, the role of natural landscapes. Premised on the chapters of this book, these guiding principles highlight the importance of natural landscapes to human and planetary health: (1) humans modify landscapes, or our surroundings, and there is a reciprocal influence between human health and landscape health (2) worldviews are not fixed and are influential in the ways societies interact with landscapes. Current dominant worldviews represent a small sliver of history; we can make other choices. (3) Human induced environmental devastation negatively influences wellbeing, especially among the most disenfranchised. Attending to relationships and reciprocity as well as feelings of loss and grief are part of the solution. (4) Healthy intact landscapes can promote wellbeing through restorative, preventive, and therapeutic mechanisms. (5) An extensive body of research exists, but further research and systematic investigation is needed to more fully understand the effects of interactions between humans and their landscapes. (6) Intentional practices and programs through education, recreation, socialisation, and lifestyle can help us develop healthy relationships with our landscapes. Ancient beneficial practices can be recovered and relearned. and (7) Intentional design choices can enhance the places where we live and work promoting the health benefits of nature in urban areas also supports human wellbeing.