Studying the relation between nature-based therapies, health and well-being

Abstract

The NATURELAB project investigates the relationship between nature-based interventions (NBIs) and human health and well-being, with the aim of generating robust, actionable scientific evidence. Focusing on therapeutic exposure to nature, the project combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess short-, medium-, and long-term health and well-being outcomes. Particular attention is given to identifying key mediators and moderators—such as age, gender, socio-economic and cultural context, prior experience with nature, and levels of nature connectedness—that influence intervention effectiveness. In parallel, the project examines how specific characteristics of natural environments contribute to observed benefits. To translate research into practice, NATURELAB delivers a set of integrated actionable outputs. These include the NATURELAB Assessment Model (NAM), which provides a structured framework for evaluating both experimental sites and participants, and standardized study protocols that ensure methodological consistency across locations. Complementing these tools is the NATURELAB dual app, developed using ArcGIS Survey123, which enables systematic data collection from both sites and participants across multiple digital platforms. Together, these outputs form a scalable and replicable framework that supports evidence-based evaluation of nature-based interventions, contributing to informed policy-making and the wider adoption of nature-based solutions for health and well-being.