Forest Bathing and Ecotourism 3/21(Class readings)

 I was very interesting in learning more about the topic of forest bathing, especially regarding its effects on mental health. While it was not part of an official forest bathing program, I witnessed the positive effects that people felt while spending time outside during the pandemic. Lots of people flocked to the local park near my house, all with picnic blankets spread at least ten feet apart, during quarantine. Whether it was to reconnect with the community, experience nature, or just to leave the house in a safe way, everyone seemed to leave the park feeling better than when they entered. This experience made me very curious about the benefits of ecotourism on individuals and the environment. From what I read, ethical ecotourism and forest bathing both have the possibility of generating positive effects for both. Through ecotourism programs, individuals are exposed to the benefits of spending time in the natural world and as a result they grow their appreciation for the natural world. This makes them more likely to advocate for environmental conservation and protection. Overall, if it is done right, ecotourism and forest bathing have the possibility of being a win-win situation for everyone involved.   

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