On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Cultural Center in San Pietro al Natisone hosted an event entitled Establishment, Structuring, and Implementation of Forest Therapy Stations in Veneto as part of the ITINERANT project. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia program.
Sandro Quaglia, coordinator of DMO Turismo Veneto, addressed the participants first, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable tourism for the local community. Dr. Živa Gruden from the Institute for Slovenian Culture presented the role of this institution in preserving Slovenian heritage in Veneto and linking it with natural content.
This was followed by lectures by experts from various countries. Dr. Stefano Santi, director of the Julian Prealps Nature Park, presented the ITINERANT project, Dr. Stefano Qualizza spoke about the healing effects of forest therapy, and Prof. Maurizio Droli spoke about the organizational challenges of setting up stations. Doc. Dr. Darija Cvikl highlighted the importance of institutionalizing forest tourism in Slovenia, which must be based on scientifically supported research and interdisciplinary cooperation in order to prevent it from becoming a short-lived trend.
Prof. Yasuo Ohe from Tokyo University of Agriculture added an international dimension to the event by presenting long-term research from Japan, a country where forest therapy has been proven to be an integral part of public health for decades. Prof. Lorena Bašan from the University of Rijeka offered a perspective on the potential of forest therapy in connection with climate treatments in high mountains.
The symposium showed that Slovenia and Italy have exceptional opportunities for joint development in an area that combines human health, nature conservation, and sustainable tourism. Speakers repeatedly pointed out that any intervention in the forest must be thoughtful, respectful, and in accordance with ecosystem laws and legislation—only in this way will it be possible to preserve the delicate balance of nature.
The meeting concluded with a discussion and pleasant socializing, and participants went home with new ideas and connections for future cooperation. The event once again demonstrated that nature can become the basis for innovative solutions for the well-being of local communities and visitors to the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve.
