Expert shares Malaysian forest therapy at congress in Sweden

BINTULU (July 25): Forest therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’, is gaining international recognition for its mental and physical health benefits.

Originating from Japan, this practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to reduce stress, improve mood, boost immunity and lower blood pressure.

By fostering a deeper connection with nature, forest therapy not only benefits individuals but also promotes conservation efforts and sustainable practices.

Forest therapy is gaining momentum in Malaysia thanks to the pioneering work of Dr Keeren Sundara Rajoo.

Since 2018, Dr Keeren has been conducting scientific studies on forest therapy, making Malaysia one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to implement such research.

The first scientifically-backed forest therapy trails are being constructed in Kelantan, in cooperation with the Kelantan State Forestry Department (JPNK).

Dr Keeren, who is the Borneo Biodiversity Laboratory head at the Institute EcoScience Borneo (IEB), Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) and Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences senior lecturer, has made significant strides in bringing Malaysian forest therapy to the forefront of international attention.

He recently showcased the profound benefits and innovative projects associated with forest therapy in Malaysia at the prestigious International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Congress 2024 in Sweden.

At the congress, held every five years, he presented a research on forest therapy in Malaysia and captivated an international audience by highlighting the unique cultural and ecological advantages of the country’s rich forest landscapes.

“Regular forest therapy sessions can improve cognitive performance through mindfulness and relaxation, along with significantly reducing work stress and lower blood pressure, provided they are done consistently,” he said.

This was echoed by Dr Melanie H Adamek of the Institute of Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy in Germany, who emphasised medical evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of the therapy.

Dr Keeren, therefore, believed forest therapy can serve as a cost-effective approach to maintaining well-being in Malaysia.

He also presented on UPM’s collaborative forest therapy projects with JPNK.

On these projects, he said forest therapy practices have been adapted to better suit local culture by incorporating elements like Senaman Melayu Tua.

This culturally-tailored approach has been well-received by Dr Guangyu Wang from the University of British Columbia in Canada, noting the importance of integrating local elements into forest therapy practices to enhance effectiveness and cultural relevance.

“This practice can both preserve and promote Malaysian culture to the world,” said Dr Guangyu.

Beyond sharing research findings, Dr Keeren seized the opportunity to also forge important global connections.

Discussions with Alex Gesse from the Forest Therapy Hub in Portugal focused on integrating Malaysia into this massive multinational forest therapy organisation.

“Plans include starting an internationally-recognised certification scheme for forest therapy guides, which would position Malaysia as a key tropical forest therapy location, benefiting the community and boosting the country’s ecotourism industry.

“The global ecotourism industry was estimated to be worth 172.4 billion US dollar in 2022, meaning that it could be especially beneficial to the socio-economic development of Malaysia’s rural communities,” said Dr Keeren.

His international engagements extended to a hands-on session with forest therapy expert Jessica Deguara at the Harcourt Arboretum, University of Oxford, which facilitated a rich exchange of ideas.

Dr Keeren gifted his book ‘Forest Therapy in Malaysia’ to further discussions on potential research applications, while Jessica shared insights on how University of Oxford facilitates forest therapy sessions with local communities.

“Besides improving physical and mental health, these sessions also help to foster stronger ties between the university and local communities.

“I believe UPM should utilise Malaysia’s lush forests and rich culture to position the nation at the forefront of forest therapy,” she said.

Dr Keeren’s efforts and collaborations at IUFRO Stockholm 2024 mark a pivotal step in promoting the therapeutic and ecological benefits of Malaysian forests, heralding a new era of international recognition and leadership for the country in forest therapy research and applications.