Urban Forestry for Human Health and Well-being in the Tropics

Abstract

The state of peoplesü physiology, mental health and well-being are affected when people actively use the forest or urban greenspaces. Studies have been conducted to prove that trees and forests are beneficial for reducing stress, decreasing depression, fighting against obesity and improving physical health. With the continuous usage of forest and urban greenspaces, from a small scale escalating to a big one, passive or active, all will gain the benefits. Accessibility, motivation and a good sense of time consumption to use the forest and urban greenspace wisely is also a chance for people to enhance their immune functions, increase physical activity and social connectedness. Many studies have used a few types of questionnaires, to see the effect of greening areas on human health. Apart from that, applied science measurements are also used in some studies to gain further scientific evidence. Results indicate that people living near and surrounding green spaces showed more health, energy, and happiness. Thus, results also show urban greening has positive benefits physiologically and psychologically compared to the urban environment.