Nature's 'Cultural ecosystem Services' profoundly influence human welfare

There is a curious tendency in the world to need to name things so that we can

discuss them.

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are defined by the World Resources Institute

as “the non-material benefits people derive from ecosystems through spiritual

enrichment, cognitive development, recreation, and aesthetic experiences”

A recent (2025) article describing the immediate benefits of forest therapy

in Frontiers in Psychology journal recognises that the intangible benefits of

nature, termed 'Cultural ecosystem Services', profoundly influence human

welfare. The term is very human-centric, but of course, it's a term for talking

with other humans about human-nature connections ...

Their research showed that:

• forest therapy can offer 'significant physiological relaxation benefits' for

high-stress groups,

• sensory therapy in forest environments may positively enhance

concentration levels, and

• observation and experiential learning may be more effective in evoking

positive or even exhilarating emotions.

You'll find all of these activities, and perhaps notice some of these benefits, on

Nature Connection experiences with me.

Hey there, we use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how you use our site. Please refer to our cookie notice and privacy policy for more information regarding cookies and other third-party tracking that may be enabled.

Feel held, outside.

© 2021 Held Outside

Buderim, Qld.

I acknowledge that this area of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) is the unceded lands of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people and that a sentence on a website is not enough. I do my best to respect country and the elders and teachers past, present and emerging through how I live, speak and work.

May we all tread gently.

Facebook icon
Email icon
Instagram icon
Intuit Mailchimp logo