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Nature is Good Medicine

Why attend
This session explores nature-based solutions, creating positive outcomes for the health and well-being of both people and the environment, particularly focusing on opportunities for social and environmental recovery post-pandemic. Participants will have an opportunity to help shape a 'roadmap' for scaling up the health and nature agenda.
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COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the world; on people’s lives and health. It has also intensified the intrinsic link between human health and nature and the need for us to urgently rethink how parks can be part of the nature-based recovery effort. While much has been documented about the detrimental impacts to human health of degraded natural systems, the benefits of healthy nature and green spaces for human health and well-being is rapidly becoming more recognised. The pandemic has resulted in more demands than ever for access to green spaces and nature connection opportunities. Looking to the future, knowing what we know now, what can we do differently for nature for health and well-being as part of the recovery of the planet and its population? Be part of a discussion with leading change-makers who are championing new policies, partnerships and programs across health and environment sectors to ensure all people access the benefits of nature.

Session agenda

Moderator

Dr Mariana NAPOLITANO E FERREIRA

Head of Science,
WWF-Brasil
Brazil

Nature is Good Medicine - Opening address
20:00 - 20:15

Speaker

Dr Simon KING

Chief Medical Officer, Doctor,
Park Doctor, Wilderness Leadership School, St Lucia Medical Centr
South Africa

Medical Doctors and Conservation for Health
20:25 - 20:39

Dr Kathy MACKINNON

Chair, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas,
IUCN WCPA
United Kingdom

Nature is Good Medicine - Closing Remarks
21:20 - 21:30

Panelist

Pete RAWCLIFFE

Head of People and Places,
NatureScot
United Kingdom

HPHP Europe - engaging new audiences and building cross sector partnerships
20:40 - 20:50

Melissa LEM

Director of PaRx/Park Prescriptions,
BC Parks Foundation
Canada

Park Prescriptions - engaging GP’s in nature for healing
20:51 - 21:00

Dr Christopher LEMIEUX

Associate Professor and John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography,
Wilfrid Laurier University
Canada

Nature-based health policies, program and research
21:00 - 21:10

  • EUROPARC Federation [Germany]
  • Parks Victoria [Australia]
  • IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC)
  • IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)
  • IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme
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