
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.
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© 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.