Does a green environment contribute to health?
Nature, fresh air, working in the garden or going to a park: a green environment offers peace and quiet, invites people to exercise, and may contribute to the maintenance and recovery of health and well-being. This sounds obvious, but research into these effects is limited. At the Louis Bolk Institute we are investigating nature assisted health in various projects. This means: does a green environment indeed contribute to health, and what are the driving factors.
Focus on greenery and liveability
In the Netherlands, municipalities and provinces are increasingly investing in liveability. Many projects have a dual objective: providing more greenery, and increasing neighbourhood participation. There are sufficient indications that public green space contributes to liveability. However, it is not yet clear how this effect can be optimized. Thanks to our combined expertise in both agriculture and health care, the Louis Bolk Institute can play a valuable role in designing, monitoring and evaluating projects on the interaction between green space and health. In addition, we can offer tailored advice in [CHE1] green liveability projects and help to enhance their scope and impact. We can also implement proven concepts and solutions.
Innovative green careWe are also investigating the efficacy of green care on care farms. For both experienced and starting care farmers, the Louis Bolk Institute offers support and tailored advice on initiating and evaluating green care. Thanks to our combined agricultural and medical expertise, we are able to link the interests and wishes of farmers and care clients, and increase care quality
|Abstract of publication 'World School World Neighbourhood: working on sustainability and livability in the neighbourhood'|