Articles
Enhancing health and well-being through horticultural therapy: a multidimensional approach for climate refugees in Peru
Article number
1459_4
Pages
29 – 42
Language
English
Abstract
Horticultural therapy (HT) offers a versatile framework capable of addressing the psychological and physical needs of diverse populations, including those severely impacted by environmental changes.
This paper examines the integration of HT within the context of a unique demographic: Peruvian climate refugees displaced due to sudden onset climate hazards such as the El Niño phenomenon.
These individuals, primarily from the Castilla community in Peru’s arid northern coast, face profound challenges, including loss of homes and livelihoods due to severe flooding, as well as mental health challenges, including eco-anxiety.
Our research underscores the necessity of a multidimensional HT approach tailored to these displaced populations’ specific needs, cultural backgrounds, and environmental contexts.
By embedding the intervention within the community’s daily life and natural surroundings, we aim to foster a deep connection with nature, enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
This paper discusses the implementation of the NATURELAB project, a comprehensive 4.5-year study supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program and co-funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). NATURELAB seeks to develop an integrated nature-based therapeutic model, combining forest and horticultural therapy elements.
Focused on addressing mental and physical health challenges, the project aims to cultivate nature connectedness among diverse groups in various ecosystems across four European countries and Peru.
A peri-urban healing garden will be designed and implemented in the Castilla community to address such challenges through nature-based therapies.
We explore the methodology, objectives, and expected outcomes of the NATURELAB project, highlighting its innovative approach to enhancing health and well-being through nature-based interventions and therapies.
This paper aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of HT in diverse settings, emphasizing its potential as a vital tool in addressing the complex needs of climate refugees.
This paper examines the integration of HT within the context of a unique demographic: Peruvian climate refugees displaced due to sudden onset climate hazards such as the El Niño phenomenon.
These individuals, primarily from the Castilla community in Peru’s arid northern coast, face profound challenges, including loss of homes and livelihoods due to severe flooding, as well as mental health challenges, including eco-anxiety.
Our research underscores the necessity of a multidimensional HT approach tailored to these displaced populations’ specific needs, cultural backgrounds, and environmental contexts.
By embedding the intervention within the community’s daily life and natural surroundings, we aim to foster a deep connection with nature, enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
This paper discusses the implementation of the NATURELAB project, a comprehensive 4.5-year study supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program and co-funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). NATURELAB seeks to develop an integrated nature-based therapeutic model, combining forest and horticultural therapy elements.
Focused on addressing mental and physical health challenges, the project aims to cultivate nature connectedness among diverse groups in various ecosystems across four European countries and Peru.
A peri-urban healing garden will be designed and implemented in the Castilla community to address such challenges through nature-based therapies.
We explore the methodology, objectives, and expected outcomes of the NATURELAB project, highlighting its innovative approach to enhancing health and well-being through nature-based interventions and therapies.
This paper aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of HT in diverse settings, emphasizing its potential as a vital tool in addressing the complex needs of climate refugees.
Publication
Authors
D. Silva-Rodríguez, M. de Szyszlo
Keywords
climate hazards, eco-anxiety, well-being, health, nature-connectedness, El Niño phenomenon, NATURELAB project
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