The AFoCO-DENR FRESH Project has taken a major step toward bringing nature-based wellness practices into the heart of conservation work. On 30 May and 16-17 June 2025, project staff and DENR personnel participated in the first-ever Forest Bathing immersion and introductory workshop series held at Mt. Purro Nature Reserve (Rizal), the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC), and the UP Biology–EDC Binhi Arboretum.
Immersion #1: Mt. Purro Nature Reserve – Reconnecting With the Forest
The journey began at Mt. Purro, facilitated by Forest Bathing MNL, where participants experienced the calming essence of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Guided through mindful walking, sensory awareness practices, quiet reflection, and a tea-sharing ritual, the group explored how intentional time with nature can reduce stress, restore clarity, and deepen one’s sense of presence.
The setting – dense forest cover, natural sounds, and open woodland trails – allowed participants to immerse fully in the experience. Many described feeling “light,” “grounded,” and “refreshed,” highlighting the potential of forest bathing as a complementary wellness and conservation activity.
Immersion & Workshop #2: NAPWC × UPD Arboretum – From Experience to Practice
The second run, facilitated by Nature Therapy PH, brought the learning closer to home. Held at NAPWC and the Arboretum, the workshop exposed participants to varied ecosystems: an urban park, and a more enclosed, biodiverse woodland.
Sessions focused on:
- sensory and mindful invitations,
- tree interaction and reflective journaling,
- group sharing circles, and
- guided immersion techniques used in forest therapy internationally.
The participants then practiced facilitating simple invitations – an important step in understanding how forest bathing can be adapted to local contexts.
Key Insights and Reflections
Across both immersions, several important learnings emerged:
- Different landscapes influence the depth of immersion.
Remote sites heighten sensory engagement, while urban parks like NAPWC offer accessible spaces suitable for regular wellness activities. - Safety, pacing, and accessibility are essential.
Forest bathing requires proper trail conditions, shade, hydration guidance, and sensitivity to participants’ physical and emotional needs. - Cultural resonance enhances impact.
Filipino values – quiet reflection, storytelling, symbolic connection with nature – naturally align with forest bathing principles. - DENR personnel see potential for community-based implementation.
The sessions helped clarify how local organizations could eventually facilitate forest bathing, laying groundwork for selecting Partner Forest Bathing Operators (PFBOs) under NAPWC.
Pathway Toward PFBO Identification
Insights from the immersions informed the development of initial criteria for identifying Partner Forest Bathing Operators (PFBOs) – local organizations who may be trained to conduct forest bathing activities in the future. These criteria cover learning readiness, community experience, safety capacity, client handling skills, and alignment with wellness and environmental values.
As the project moves forward, these PFBOs will play an essential role in sustaining nature-based wellness programs and expanding community engagement in urban forest conservation.
By Ian James S. Acson, Project Officer (CEPA)