In 2023 the Nature Reserves Astroni Crater (NA), Sagittarius Gorges (AQ) and Ghirardi (PR) were inaugurated as WWF Breath Oasis and, this year, three more are added to them: the Vanzago Forest (MI),Macchiagrande Oasis (RM) e The Cesine (LE).
For the second consecutive year Golia, the candy brand that has always been attentive to'technology, supports the WWF in its Oasis of Breath with the aim of bringing the population back to immerse themselves in nature to improve their well-being and promote sustainability.
The expansion of this project takes place by bringing the Forest Bathing in new protected oases to contribute to the valorization of the Italian natural heritage.
What is Forest Bathing?
(Macchiagrande Oasis)
In our country, approximately 80% of the population lives in more or less urbanized areas and it is for this reason that many feel the need to return to "savour" rural areas and the peace that characterizes them, with the intention of carving out moments of escape from the frenetic city life.
This need to reconnect with nature is increasingly becoming a therapeutic practice put into practice through the forest bathing, that is, forest bathing.
It is not just a simple walk, but a real immersion in the greenery, a practice at the heart of the project. The Oases of Breath, born from the partnership between Golia and WWF Italy, born with the intention of spreading it more and more throughout the Italian territory.
What does the project include?
This is the second consecutive year in which Golia, the historic candy brand, which supports the WWF in the project that aims to enable a world where humans and nature live in harmony.
The project includes educational, research and sustainable tourism promotion activities, creating a group of Italian protected areas in which to practice Forest Bathing which offers physical and mental benefits, bringing people closer to natural ecosystems.
The initiative also involves theAIMeF, Italian Association of Forestry Medicine, in the role of qualifying body for WWF areas, which also provides training for specialized operators, in collaboration with the Forest Therapy Hub and CSEN (National Educational Sports Center) which provides expert trainers.
Operators guide visitors along the routes, allowing them to live regenerative experiences in nature. The main objective is to raise public awareness aboutimportance of biodiversity conservation for our health and well-being.
Between 2023 and 2024, the following were formed: 20 operators and expanded new routes indicated by information signs, for a total of 20 km. Overall, XNUMX km have been organised 52 days dedicated to the forest immersion experience, involving 712 citizens.
(Le Cesine Nature Reserve)
Il WWF and Goliath participate in these initiatives driven by a common purpose, protect nature and raise awareness more and more people on the importance of environmental conservation and psycho-physical well-being that it can provide us.
Some scientific surveys carried out by AIMeF have found some beneficial effects in fact, in those who have experienced forest bathing, in the three new "Oasis of Breath" in Milan, Rome and Lecce, it has been detected in the participants in the forest immersions a significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure together with a strong reduction in perceived stress and improving mood.
As the data collected demonstrate, the Forest bathing is a practice of great therapeutic value, because, by entering the woods, you experience a new way of seeing and experiencing green spaces “recharging the batteries” of body and spirit.
Leave a comment (0)