World Conference on Forests and Parks for Public Health on May 21-24, 2025 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Half of the world population does not have access to proper medical care. The recent pandemic has put significant pressure on the delivery of healthcare in virtually all other countries. Furthermore, modern lifestyle exemplified by sedentary lives, urban living and work practices, low physical activity, stress, noise, heat stress, and air pollution is behind the growing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, stress, depression, psychological diseases, and immune disruption among others. This contributes not only to Public Health problems but also to increased health care expenditures.

An accumulating multidisciplinary, global body of evidence has documented the strong potential of natural environments including trees, forests, urban and peri-urban forests, parks, gardens and other green spaces to promote and enhance mental and physical health, and the well-being of populations.

We must continue to study the multidimensional interactions and relationships between forests and green spaces on one side and human health on the other through an interdisciplinary scientific approach. As an integral part of such efforts, the multidisciplinary World Conference on Forests for Public Health is organized biannually to encourage and promote globally, the sharing of knowledge on the latest research trends.

The 4th World Conference on Forests and Parks for Public Health, 21-24 May 2025, in Luxembourg, City of Luxembourg, will continue our efforts to find a sustainable direction for the multidisciplinary field of forest, green spaces, and human health. We will emphasize the global message of this Conference: forests, city forests, parks and other green spaces should be incorporated into International Organizations policies and goals, and into National Public Health systems, policies, and practices for a Healthy and Sustainable society.

We warmly thank the organizers of this important conference for their support and guidance.

We have the privilege to invite scientists from all over the world to participate and attend the Conference, to present their research results and share their knowledge in this new multidisciplinary area. Interested citizens and colleagues are also welcome.

Dr. Christos Th. Gallis

President of the World Society for Forests and Parks for Public Health, Luxembourg, Europe