Well-being and nature: policy convergence in forestry, health and rural development (essay) | Well-being and nature: policy convergence in forestry, health and rural development (essay)

Abstract

The importance of natural environments to human health was generally accepted until the early 20th century, but subsequently has been neglected. Today that traditional understanding is being rediscovered, but is now conceptualised in the language of science. For contributions in this field to have an impact today, therefore, they must be communicated in the language of medical and public health science. Concepts of well-being are now seen to be central to, and have been adopted in, policies relating to social sustainability. The emergence of lifestyle as a focus for concern both in health and sustainability is leading to convergence in policy and in practice and to the development of shared language.