Search Results (394)

Forest environments have been demonstrated to promote human health and well-being through rich sensory experiences. However, the mechanisms by which olfactory experience affects visitors’ mental health remain to be thoroughly researched, and discussions on emotional resilience, a key competency affecting an individual’s mental health, are particularly rare. To address the challenges of high subjectivity, difficulty in quantifying, and high context-dependency of olfactory experience and emotional resilience in such studies, large language models were introduced to study the National Forest Parks in China and analyse massive user-generated data. This provided new possibilities for constructing a more comprehensive theoretical paradigm of olfactory experience–emotional resilience. The findings indicate that olfactory experiences in National Forest Parks exert a substantial influence on tourists’ emotional resilience, with diverse olfactory experiences demonstrating a more pronounced impact on emotional resilience compared to a single type of olfactory experience. However, this impact exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Natural environment olfactory experiences were found to be more conducive to attention restoration, while artificial environment olfactory experiences were more likely to induce nostalgic feelings. This study found that nostalgic feelings significantly mediated the relationship between artificial environment olfactory experience and emotional resilience, while attention restoration did not significantly mediate the relationship between natural environment olfactory experience and emotional resilience. This provides a novel perspective on the examination of the complex relationship between forest environments, olfactory experience, and emotional resilience. Semantic analyses revealed the complexity and network characteristics of olfactory experiences in National Forest Parks, and at the same time identified four main types of olfactory experiences and scenarios. This research offers valuable insights for forest recreation and leisure management, as well as public health policy development. Full article

The dual challenges of global aging and intensifying urban heat demand innovative, evidence-based strategies to foster thermally and psychologically comfortable environments for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Despite the documented benefits of urban greenery, the species-specific impacts of urban trees on thermal comfort and well-being remain underexplored. This study investigates how distinct tree species—Camphora officinarum (camphor), Platanus acerifolia (London plane), and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo)—regulate urban microclimates and support elderly well-being during hot summer days. Conducted at five sites in Shanghai, including a control site and four vegetated plots, this study engaged 210 elderly participants. Microclimatic variables were measured using the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) alongside air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Physiological responses, assessed through heart rate variability (HRV), and psychological outcomes, evaluated via validated self-report scales, were analyzed. The results revealed that dense-canopy trees significantly reduced PET, enhanced thermal comfort, and improved ROS and SVS scores, while lower LF/HF ratios indicated reduced physiological stress. Correlation analyses underscored the pivotal role of canopy density (SVF) in fostering psychological and physiological well-being. Camphor and London plane trees consistently provided the greatest benefits, emphasizing the importance of species selection in urban greening strategies. These findings underscore the critical role of species selection in urban forestry to mitigate heat stress and foster age-friendly resilience. Practical implications emphasize integrating dense-canopy species into urban landscapes to enhance microclimate regulation and public health. Full article

Ecosystems, water supplies, and tourism all benefit from the protection of forest regions. All the above affect the possibility for tourism to prosper in forested areas. Tikvara Nature Park (TNP) has significant tourist potential for the development of specific and sustainable forms of tourism because it has direct contact with the Danube River, which forms the Upper Danube Region. This nature park has a significant forested area, inhabited by rare species of flora and fauna. In addition, there are wetlands, which are inhabited by rare species of birds, aquatic animals, and plants. Ecological and socio-cultural sustainability are the subjects of research in this article. It was possible to observe all possibilities for the growth of tourism based on nature by analyzing sustainable tourism by applying an extended PoS study method. The results of this research indicate that the two examined dimensions have a significant impact on the state and perspective of tourism development in this nature park. Also, sustainable tourism has an impact on the satisfaction of respondents through ecological and socio-cultural factors of the destination. Analysis of the results indicates that the respondents are ready to harmonize their activities with ecological principles in this protected area. Researching these two dimensions of sustainable tourism development (STuD) is important for tourism planning, growth, and nature protection control. This study’s significant results demonstrate the importance of environmental and socio-cultural elements for tourism development (ToD), and their substantial influence on tourism sustainability (ToS) and local and visitor satisfaction. Plans for the growth of sustainable tourism might be significantly influenced by research findings. Full article

As the global population ages, respiratory health among the elderly has become a key public health concern. Although urban green infrastructure (UGI) has the potential to improve air quality and promote health, research on how its layout patterns influence respiratory health among older adults remains limited. This study focuses on elderly residents aged 60 and above in the central urban area of Shenyang, China, to evaluate the relative importance and interactions of different features affecting respiratory health. We utilized the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to collect data on respiratory health and employed hierarchical regression and random forest (RF) models to analyze the impact of UGI factors across three spatial scales (300 m, 500 m, and 1000 m). The results indicate that UGI within a 300 m radius of participants’ residences contributes most significantly to respiratory health, with diminishing marginal effects as the spatial scale increases. Green space area (GSA) and the NDVI were identified as the most important factors influencing respiratory health, while green landscape pattern metrics had a greater influence at larger spatial extents. Additionally, a significant nonlinear marginal effect was observed between UGI and respiratory health. These findings provide key insights for health-oriented urban planning and green infrastructure design. Full article

Urban forests, as part of the green infrastructure systems in cities, are also important components of natural systems. To ensure the sustainability of urban forests, ecological, social, and economic dimensions must be addressed holistically. In this context, qualitative and quantitative evaluations conducted in Atatürk Urban Forest have revealed significant findings regarding the socio-cultural, economic, and ecological sustainability of the urban forest. Atatürk Urban Forest covers an area of 150 hectares and constitutes important urban green infrastructure for Bursa. Sustainability indicators were defined within this study, and an approach for calculating sustainability performance values was developed. In this approach, 32 sustainability indicators were calculated based on parameters such as area size, distance, volume, shape, and the number of facilities. As a result of the calculations, Atatürk Urban Forest’s sustainability performance value was determined to be 187.76 (62.58%). However, this value indicates that there are certain shortcomings in terms of sustainability. Addressing these shortcomings will enhance the quality of sustainability indicators, and Atatürk Urban Forest will play a significant role as a sustainable urban green infrastructure. Full article

Currently, people are more and more willing to rest in areas of urban greenery or forest areas for relaxation, sports, tourism, or recreation. Nonetheless, the decision for this type of activity is often a thoughtful, planned decision that determines the level of quality of life. The purpose of our study was to determine whether objective indicators of quality of life, such as social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental factors, influence the frequency of visits to urban green areas and forest areas. An online survey was conducted by a professional firm on a group of 1000 people living in and around the Warsaw metropolitan area. The results showed a clear seasonal pattern, with a higher frequency of visits in summer compared to winter. Urban green areas were more likely to be visited than forests. The frequency of visits was influenced by the 11 analysed factors, although not always in all variants. Among these factors were education level, income, distance to urban green areas, and assessment of the quality of greenery at the place of residence. Women and younger age groups were more frequent visitors, especially in summer, while older people and lower-income groups visited less often, especially in winter. The results underscore the importance of integrating green spaces with urban planning to increase accessibility and meet the diverse needs of the population, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Further research should be extended to other metropolitan areas and exploring psychological motivations for visiting natural areas. Full article

Despite being long-lived and massive, giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum (Lindl.) J. Bucholz) are susceptible to erosion given their relatively shallow root structure. Human-caused soil compaction and vegetation loss through social trails are primary drivers of erosion in giant sequoia groves, particularly for trees that are near formal trails and access roads. We develop a method to observe and quantify the near-tree impacts from park visitors and to relate the overall amount of use with ground cover impact parameters to assess whether the desired conditions of each grove are being met for the park to maintain a spectrum of recreational opportunities. We collected data on visitation, ground cover, soil compaction, and social trailing using a combination of targeted surveys and observations at the three giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. The Mariposa Grove receives the most visitation, and use levels among groves were consistent with relative size and facilities available. Selected parameters for ground cover data were analyzed by comparing values within undisturbed versus trampling-disturbed subplots at both 0–2 m and 2–8 m. Exposed soil cover and compaction were generally higher in anthropogenically disturbed subplots versus undisturbed subplots, and vegetation cover was reduced in some disturbed subplots. Each grove had one surveyed tree where average soil compaction was ≥2.2 kg/cm², which may limit root growth and impact seedling regeneration. Each of the three groves had some trees with social trail presence, yet less than 7% of mature trees within any grove were impacted by social trails, and most social trails were rated as having low impairment. Coupling soil compaction measurements and estimates of trampling-disturbed areas with mapping of social trail conditions within groves provides a general assessment of visitor-associated impacts to sequoia groves and can facilitate a relatively rapid way to track hotspot (i.e., increasingly impacted) trees over time. Full article

This study investigates the impact of forest-activity diversity on life satisfaction using data from the 2023 Forest Recreation and Welfare Activities Survey conducted by the Korea Forest Service. Forest-activity diversity was categorized into two dimensions: experience diversity (combining forest recreation and welfare-activity experiences) and utilization diversity (the use of forest recreation and welfare facilities and programs). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that greater diversity in forest activities and utilization significantly enhances life satisfaction. However, participants who engaged in both forest recreation and welfare activities or utilized both facilities and programs reported comparatively lower life satisfaction. The findings indicate that while activity and utilization diversity are critical in improving life satisfaction, the benefits may plateau with excessive participation. The effects of leisure activities also vary based on individual factors such as age, gender, and life context, underscoring the importance of tailored forest welfare programs. Balanced and meaningful engagement in diverse activities is essential for maximizing well-being. While forest activities generally enhance life satisfaction, programs must be inclusive and flexible to address diverse user needs. Future research should incorporate objective measures and longitudinal designs to better evaluate the long-term effects of forest welfare activities. Full article

Biological invasions are considered one of the most important threats to biodiversity worldwide, and their intensity increases with urbanization. Potentilla indica, a perennial stoloniferous plant of Asian origin, is a newly emerging invasive alien species in European cities and other areas. Due to its wide ecological range, it may threaten many native species, especially in urban riparian forests which are particularly susceptible to plant invasions. Although it shows high phenotypic plasticity, its coverage and morphological variability depending on the type of vegetation and abiotic factors in natural conditions have not been studied so far. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore this issue, using phytosociological relevés and measurements of selected environmental factors and morphological features of P. indica in Kraków, the second largest city in Poland, central Europe. We demonstrated that the coverage and morphological traits of P. indica can be significantly affected by the type of plant community, and the presence and abundance of the species in urban habitats are strongly related to soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and fertility. We also found that the coverage of P. indica is positively correlated with the Evenness index, height of herbaceous layer, soil electrical conductivity and moisture, and negatively with the number of species, soil compactness, and phosphorus content in the soil. We further revealed that the size of the leaves and the length of the pedicels and stolons in P. indica can be positively influenced by its coverage. To prevent the invasion of P. indica in riparian forests and other urban habitats, we suggest controlling its cultivation and disposal, removing new appearances, and maintaining high species diversity with a dominance of one or a few native species in plant communities. Full article

Improving carbon sink capacity is critical for meeting energy conservation and emission reduction targets, along with low-carbon development goals. Although many researchers have recognized that urban space can significantly influence the capacity of carbon sinks in urban areas, few studies have quantified the impact of urban landscape patterns, particularly urban green space (UGS) morphology, on carbon sinks. This study quantitatively investigated the impact of UGS morphology on carbon sinks using panel data from nine cities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, from 2000 to 2017. A series of landscape metrics and land-use data was first selected to quantify the four dimensions of UGS: scale, compactness, type diversity, and shape complexity. Subsequently, the impact of UGS morphology on carbon sinks was estimated using a panel data model. The main findings were as follows. (1) From the carbon sink results, the carbon sink in the GBA was found to be in an evolutionarily stable state, reflecting the relatively limited potential for carbon enhancement in the region. (2) From the landscape metrics results, the AREA_MD was mainly distributed between 0.18 and 0.27. The AI was mainly distributed between 80 and 97, with a concentration at 90. The PAFRAC was mainly distributed between 1.39 and 1.43, with a concentration at 1.41. PR was mainly distributed between 6 and 7. There was a large disparity in the scale of UGS morphology between GBA cities, with an irregular and complex pattern that became more compact over time. (3) From the panel data results, the AI (p < 0.001) had a significant positive impact on carbon sinks, while PR (p < 0.001) had a significant negative impact. The more compact the UGS morphology, the greater the total carbon sink, and the more complex the UGS morphology, the smaller the total carbon sink. The findings highlighted the importance of urban planning and UGS morphological optimization for increasing carbon sink capacity, as well as providing policy makers and urban planners with theoretical references and guidance for achieving climate goals. Full article

This study conducted field measurements to explore the effects of street spatial structure on micrometeorological condition and air quality on both hot and cool days in Taipei City. Six street canyons with an aspect ratio of one, but varied in street orientation, street width, sky view factor, and number of planting strips, were selected for observations. In this case study, it was observed that, as well as the meso-scale phenomena, the local and micro-scale (street canyon structure) had influences on street air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and wind velocity. However, the local and micro-scales only had minor effects on relative humidity for both hot and cool days. Shade effect on temperature by street trees was observed; this effect could cause 2 degrees drop on mean radiant temperature and about 0.5 degree drop on air temperature. Our analyses and field measurements also revealed that, in some cases, concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were found to be correlated with local street canopy structure; however, in some cases, the meso-scale process was found to be the dominant factor. We also found that concentrations of CO and O₃ were inversely correlated in the street canyon. The findings of this study provide introductory scientific data and guidelines for urban street designers to improve thermal comfort and air quality. Full article

Urban forests are important public recreation sites and play an important function in urban biodiversity conservation. Recent studies have found that urban forests have a beneficial effect on public physiological and psychological health. Birdsong in urban forests has good physiological and psychological recovery benefits and is also the most frequent natural sound. In this paper, a blank group, visual perception, and audiovisual perception were studied by investigating birds in five kinds of urban forests and simulating their birdsong environment. The results showed the following: (1) The visual perception and audiovisual perception of urban forests are restorative to the public’s physiology and psychology. Forests and urban parks with higher natural elements have relatively strong physiological and psychological recovery benefits, and roadside green spaces with higher artificial elements have relatively weak recovery benefits. However, both natural and artificial urban forests can show better recovery. (2) Birdsong perception preference has a mediating effect on the recovery benefit of heart rate and a moderating effect on the recovery benefit of skin conductance, which can affect the recovery benefits of urban forests on public physiology and psychology. (3) Because people’s perceptions of the timbre of birdsong vary, the benefits of birdsong on recovery are not always favorable. The richness and pleasantness of birdsong in the forest environment are significant contributors to the recovery advantages and the likability and comfort of birdsong in the rest of the setting. Based on differences in the composition of birds in different urban forest environments, this study simulated the birdsong environment with birds based on field research and studied the public perception recovery of the urban forest visual environment and the urban forest and birdsong audiovisual environment in order to explore the influence of birdsong on the public health recovery properties of urban forests. This study provides an optimal strategy for the selection and construction of forest healing functions and promotes the development of urban ecosystems and biodiversity. Full article

Forest therapy is known to promote physical and mental well-being, but its specific impact on physiological and psychological recovery in university students, particularly across genders, remains underexplored. This study examined the effects of a five-hour forest therapy session involving sensory-based activities on 48 students (30 males and 18 females). The key outcomes measured included pulse rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and mood states. Significant reductions in pulse rate and anxiety were observed, with females showing greater physiological and emotional recovery. These findings suggest that forest therapy may serve as an effective intervention for stress relief, particularly for females, and highlight the potential of sensory-based therapies in promoting student well-being. Full article

In urban areas prone to extreme weather, it has become crucial to implement effective strategies to improve living conditions for residents reliant on medical and educational facilities. This research highlighted the importance of urban green spaces in cooling European cities and examined the planning and maintenance of these areas alongside economic losses due to water consumption during heatwaves. Key findings using an SEM (structural equation model) showed that hot summer days indirectly impacted water prices by increasing cumulative temperature days. The confidence interval (0.015, 0.038) confirmed this effect. Additionally, tropical nights indirectly impacted water prices, as shown by the cooling degree days, which indicated the need for air conditioning. The increased use of energy for cooling resulted in higher water prices due to the water required for power generation. This effect was statistically significant, with an estimated value of 0.029 (p < 0.001). A generalized linear model (GLM) indicated an inverse relationship between urban green space and impervious surfaces (slope: −0.69996 ± 0.025561, intercept: 53.675 ± 0.97709, p < 0.01), which was important for reducing impervious surfaces and improving water management, ultimately leading to cooler urban temperatures. Practical recommendations for decision-makers, urban planners, and residents are provided to adapt to changing extreme weather conditions. These include improving the soil environment in current locations and increasing access to green spaces, which can enhance well-being and address health issues. Full article

Urban and peri-urban forests serve as significant drivers, conferring benefits to humans through engagement with their ecosystems. These benefits encompass recreation, cognitive development, introspection, the acquisition of knowledge systems, social relations, and aesthetic values. The aim of this study is to examine the urban and peri-urban ecosystem services by offering new insights into visitors’ perspectives on the recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual values of forests in the city of Timișoara and its peri-urban area. The study focuses on two forests: Padurea Verde, the largest forest in Timișoara, and the Giroc Forest, one of the most frequently visited forest areas in the peri-urban zone of Timișoara. Thirty-six in-depth interviews were conducted with visitors to the two selected forests in September 2024. The findings indicate that visitors derive benefits from the ecosystem values of these forests, including recreational, aesthetic, and cultural values. However, there are also feelings of disappointment related to the lack of cleanliness and the presence of an excessive number of stray dogs in the forests. The findings also indicate a necessity for the implementation of organized activities, such as sports competitions and more children-oriented events, while discouraging the organization of festivals and the excessive use of noise in forests. Furthermore, they suggest that forests should be maintained in a relatively undisturbed state. These findings could prove beneficial as future perspectives for local practitioners, enabling the continued provision of complex ecosystem services and recreational values by urban and peri-urban forests. Full article