Development of Structural Criteria for the Certification and Designation of Recreational and Therapeutic Forests in Bavaria, Germany

Abstract

Background: Based on the increasing evidence of forest on health, a research project assessed the structural certification criteria of recreational and therapeutic forests in 15 Bavarian pilot sites. The main project objectives were (1) to develop a certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests and (2) to establish a certification and designation process. Methods: Relevant criteria were identified by a literature review. The findings, in conjunction with landscape planning principles, were used to develop a catalog of certification criteria, which was then tested and amended in field testing in the pilot sites. Results: The criteria catalog for recreational and therapeutic forests was structured into four sections: general requirements, forest-specific requirements, safety and infrastructure, and preventive and/or therapeutic interventions. At 13 pilot sites, 13 recreational forests and 3 therapeutic forests were designated, 47 professionals were trained, the designation process and a certification body were established, and the results were published in a manual (BayKK KuH). Conclusions: This newly developed Bavarian certification standard for recreational and therapeutic forests represents an innovative synthesis of science and empirical on-site experience. It enables interested parties to develop a recreational or therapeutic forest on the basis of transparently published standards in order to use the health-promoting effects of the forest in prevention and therapy.