The 8th Congress of the International Society of Forest Therapy (ISFT), held from 13 to 15 October 2026 at IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Austria, brought together international researchers, healthcare professionals, and practitioners from various disciplines to exchange knowledge and discuss the role of forest ecosystems in human health and well-being.
The congress focused on the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of forest environments, with particular attention to bioactive compounds, biodiversity, and forest-based interventions. Discussions also addressed the integration of forest therapy into healthcare and preventive medicine, as well as its applications in tourism, wellness, and public health. The event provided a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and international collaboration, connecting scientific research with practical applications.
Researchers involved in the PHorestAll project presented several scientific contributions developed within the framework of the project.
Urška Rozman and Jerneja Lešnik Cotza from the University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, presented two contributions entitled The Effect of Forest-Based Interventions on Cortisol Levels and Stress in Humans and Structuring Forest Therapy as a Therapeutic Intervention: A Participant-Evaluated 6-Week Protocol with Between-Session Assignments and Validated Progress Tracking.
Austė Juozapaitytė Gruodė from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences presented the contribution entitled From Cultural Identity to Higher Education: The Case of Forest Therapy in Lithuania.
Jhih-Kai (Sean) Liou from the National Taiwan University presented the contribution entitled Introducing Healing Forest Certification to Taiwan: A Process-Based Study of Two Pilot Sites.
The congress provided an opportunity for PHorestAll project partners to share their work with the international scientific community, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaboration in the field of forest therapy and nature-based approaches to health and well-being.