The Julian Pre-Alps, from Resia to the Natisone Valleys, are preparing to become the Italian capital of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing”, which originated in Japan in the 1980s and is now scientifically recognised for its health benefits.
The Interreg Italy-Slovenia Itinerant project, coordinated by the Julian Prealps Nature Park with the involvement of the Institute for Slovenian Culture in San Pietro al Natisone, is allocating €157,000 of its total resources (€1.3 million) to the creation of certified forest therapy trails. The aerosols emitted by forests will be analysed in order to identify the paths with the greatest therapeutic potential.
During the meeting on 29 August in San Pietro al Natisone, Italian and international experts presented the advantages of this practice: reduction of stress, blood pressure and heart rate, improvement of chronic respiratory diseases, support for metabolism and strengthening of the immune system.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, where over 75,000 people suffer from asthma, forest therapy can provide concrete support to the healthcare system by reducing crises and related costs. For this reason, the project aims to activate at least four new certified trails – in Val Resia, Valli del Torre and Valli del Natisone – which will be added to the trail already started at the Kot waterfall.
Alongside scientific research, Itinerant also focuses on training qualified operators and integrating with local tourism, thanks to the involvement of the DMO Benečija.
Experiences already established in Slovenia (52 certified trails and a network of forest therapists) and Croatia show that success comes from the synergy between health, nature and tourism. With this vision, the Julian Pre-Alps are strengthening their role as a cross-border laboratory for wellbeing and innovation.
For more information, please read the full press release:
