Virtual Tour of the Museum of Natural Health and Forest Therapy

A researcher will guide you on a fascinating journey through the deep connection between nature and health—from forests as the “pharmacological dispensaries” of the past, to today’s cutting-edge medical research, and finally to Forest Therapy as an emerging form of outdoor healthcare for the future. You’ll experience the excitement of scientific discovery—without the fatigue of fieldwork.

• This is a live, interactive virtual tour (not pre-recorded), during which you’ll have the chance to engage with university researchers who are associate professors and co-founders of the first Forest Therapy Station in Europe (established in 2017 with UniPd, MIPAAF, Green4C, and the International Society of Forest Therapy).

• The experience lasts at least 30 minutes and focuses on three main topics:

  • Trees as pharmacological resources
  • New frontiers in medical research
  • The unique, rare, and irreplaceable value of Forest Therapy.

• The virtual tour follows the exhibition path of the Museum of Natural Health, founded in 2016—still the only museum in Italy dedicated entirely to Forest Therapy.

Description

We will begin with an in-depth look at the role of forests as sources of natural raw materials used in the preparation of pharmacological compounds—both in ancient times and in today’s pharmaceutical industry.

We will then explore three key systems of human physiology: the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. We’ll examine how the interactions between these systems are crucial for health, yet still remain underexplored in clinical research.

We’ll dedicate around ten minutes to presenting aspects of Forest Therapy that are particularly relevant for physicians registered with the Italian Order of Physicians, Surgeons, and Dentists (OMCeO). We’ll highlight the features that, according to many professionals, make Forest Therapy a strategic approach for the medicine of the future: a method that is valuable, rare, hard to imitate, and not easily replaceable by similar approaches such as speleotherapy or mountain therapy.

We’ll conclude the session with a Q&A segment. Finally, we will invite expressions of interest from those wishing to participate—also as co-authors—in ongoing studies carried out as part of citizen science projects coordinated by the Forest Therapy Station of Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG).

More information:

• Location: online (Google Meet)
• Included: Over 30 minutes of remote guided tour by a researcher with the qualification of Associate Professor in Economics and Rural Appraisal (SSD:AGR01), specializing in Planetary Health and with research and teaching experience at universities in Italy and abroad, including the United States and Japan.
• Not included: anything not explicitly stated
• Participants: 1–5 people
• Language: Italian / English / Japanese
• Requirements: Availability of PC/Tablet/Smartphone with Internet access; Google Meet account.
• If attendees cannot participate, no refunds, but the experience can be rebooked within 12 months.

BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE

Residents of Benečija (Natisone, Torre and Resia Valleys), people with differing abilities, or those arriving by public transport or CO₂‑free means may purchase a discounted ticket.

This experience is part of the “Menu of Experiences” promoted by DMO Turismo Benečija in partnership with businesses associated with Associazione "Invito", Slow Food Travel Valli del Natisone e Torre, and Pro Loco Nediške Doline – Valli del Natisone APS.