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Nature as a Health Resource (NaG): Perspectives and recommendations for “Nature Prescribing” in Germany
The close interconnection between nature, the environment and human health is scientifically proven: intact ecosystems promote physical and mental health as well as well-being. They are also essential for our resilience and protection against extreme weather events.
Some countries already apply this knowledge through ‘nature prescribing’. Medical and therapeutic professionals employ nature-based health interventions. The aim is to harness the positive influence of experiencing nature on physical and mental wellbeing for health promotion, disease prevention and treatment.
In Germany, nature-based health measures are used sporadically in clinical and therapeutic contexts. However, there is a lack of systematic integration and collaboration between relevant stakeholders from the fields of health, environmental and nature conservation, climate protection, urban and landscape planning, social services and education.
In view of the interlinked challenges – rising disease burden, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and the consequences of climate change – it is crucial to harness synergies and consider natural resources as key to both resilience and health promotion and prevention. The project examines how nature-based health measures can be integrated into the German context. It aims, in particular, to strengthen the links between health and environmental policy. In doing so, it emphasises that protecting nature is not merely an environmental objective, but is also of crucial importance for human health and well-being.
Project aims
The project examines the concept of ‘nature prescribing’ and prospects for its implementation in Germany and thereby strengthening health, environmental protection and nature conservation.
The main goals include:
- Evaluation of existing approaches: Analysis of international and national experiences and assessment of how these can be adapted to the German context.
- Strengthening interdisciplinary dialogue: Bringing together stakeholders from academia, politics and civil society in the fields of health, environmental protection and nature conservation to identify the obstacles and opportunities associated with ‘nature prescribing’.
- Development of policy recommendations: Development of clear, evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers.
- Promotion of visibility and awareness: Promoting an understanding of nature as a health resource among decision-makers, experts and the general public.
Overall, the project promotes more integrated policy-making by linking health, environmental protection and nature conservation.
Methodology
The Centre for Planetary Health Policy (CPHP) is leading the analysis, stakeholder engagement and the development of recommendations.
Key activities include:
- Analysis of existing approaches and relevant stakeholders: Reviewing international and national models and initiatives on ‘nature prescribing’ and identifying key stakeholders.
- Dialogues with stakeholders: Organising workshops with experts from the fields of health, the environment, social affairs, civil society, science and politics to exchange knowledge, identify needs and gain practical insights for prospective implementation strategies.
- Interviews with key stakeholders: Conducting qualitative interviews to better understand experiences from implementation, as well as the opportunities and barriers to application in Germany.
- Recommendations for action: Summarising the findings in a policy brief – a short, easily understandable document with clear recommendations for decision-makers.
- Dissemination: Sharing the findings via webinars and digital formats to reach decision-makers, practitioners and relevant networks, and to raise the profile of the issue.
Through this approach, the CPHP connects stakeholders, translates scientific findings into practical recommendations and supports informed decision-making.
The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), which receives funding from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
