Green clearly has beneficial effects on people’s mental health. That is one of the conclusions of a major study by the World Health Organization WHO into the effects of green and blue spaces.
Sjerp de Vries, researcher at Wageningen Environmental Research, contributed to the research from the Netherlands. According to the report, the corona pandemic has once again emphasized the importance of green and blue spaces in the urban environment. Green has played an especially important role in dealing with stress caused by the threat of the virus, and the physical limitations that result from it. Not only as an alternative place for physical activities, but also for the necessary social interaction.
Direct effects of green
It was already largely known that greenery indirectly has beneficial health effects, such as a reduction in air pollution and a contribution to climate adaptation. For the first time, research has now also been conducted into the direct effects of greenery on mental health.
According to the researchers, more insight into the effects of greenery is important for policymakers when designing cities. Not only can this ensure an urban environment that contributes to mental well-being, but also cost reduction in healthcare. The findings are also important for sectors that influence planning, design and management of green and blue spaces, according to WHO. These sectors also indirectly influence the health and well-being of residents.
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