Frans Kapteijns: “Nature-inclusive & health – a promising combination”

I’m Frans Kapteijns, forest ranger, walking coach, and ambassador for charitable causes. Nature For Health(NFH) is one of those charitable causes that is very close to my heart.

As a forest ranger, but especially as a walking coach, I experience the healing power of nature every day. During the COVID-19 period, I was actively involved in the Healing Landscape Days – Van Gogh Nationaal Park, organized by NFH. The conclusion was simple yet inspiring: the landscape heals us, but we must also heal the landscape.

E“Every investment in nature is an investment in our health,” states the Agenda Natuurinclusief 2.0 from Collectief Natuurinclusief, and I firmly believe that. That’s why I’m pleased about the collaboration in North Brabant between Van Gogh National Park and NFH in the area of #NatuuropRecept. This involves prescribing nature by primary care providers, particularly general practitioners and physiotherapists. One result of this is the Nature on Prescription Referral Map for Reeshof Tilburg – Van Gogh National Park.

I’m also pleased with the activities of NFH and IVN in the area of greening mental healthcare — the Groene GGZ. The initiative Het Groene Perspectief (The Green Perspective) from Groene GGZ focuses on offering nature-based activities for people on mental health care waiting lists. This can involve nature and walking coaches, forest bathing guides, as well as conservation activities offered by land management organizations. What a beautiful way to support people on waiting lists — and for them, in turn, to support nature.

It’s wonderful to see the growing attention from the healthcare sector for the positive effects of using nature and green spaces — not just for patients, but also for healthcare workers themselves! And what incredible potential nature holds for disease prevention. As an NFH ambassador, I will actively contribute to strengthening the connection between nature-inclusivity and health!
(photo: Laila Willems)