Modern public health challenges require interdisciplinary solutions that integrate
knowledge of human behavior and its complex relationship with the physical environment.
Historically, this discourse was dominated by studies of hazards and other negative
health consequences associated with human–environment interactions. However, growing
evidence
1
suggests that contact with green spaces (e.g., parks, forests, gardens) can be beneficial
to physical and mental health. Despite these findings, integration of the natural
environment into preventive medicine policy and practice has been slow. This is partly
due to limited recognition of the multifaceted health benefits associated with green
spaces and the challenge of characterizing and evaluating these benefits. Minimal
dialogue across disciplines, especially between environmental and health professionals,
has exacerbated the divide,
2
,
3
further hindering nature-based health promotion. Many environmental and social scientists
have embraced the concept of “ecosystem services” as a framework for understanding,
evaluating, and communicating the contributions of ecosystems to human well-being.
4
Ecosystem services describe nature’s direct and indirect benefits to humans, including
life-supporting ecological processes and provision of outdoor spaces that encourage
active lifestyles, which support the prevention of diseases and other maladies. As
these services have major implications for human health and well-being,
5
,
6
the integration of ecosystem services and preventive medicine may be an important
strategy for advancing health research, education, and practice.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 14, 2015
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Published by Elsevier Inc.
