Project leader Annette Postma says: “Our goal is that by the end of 2026, at least 25 general practitioner and physiotherapy practices in every province will be using Nature on Prescription. And we’re confident this will happen, as we’re seeing more and more GPs and physiotherapists who are already involved or showing interest.”
‘Natuur op Recept’ gets acceleration
The “Nature on Prescription” initiative encourages general practitioners and physiotherapists to prescribe nature to their patients. Recently, a kick-off was held to accelerate this initiative, including the appointment of a project leader and a coordinator by the Health domain of Collectief Natuurinclusief. Nature For Health, IVN Natuureducatie, Alles is Gezondheid, and the Association of Doctors and Lifestyle are collaborating with Collectief Natuurinclusief to speed up the implementation of Nature on Prescription.
Why Natuur op Recept
A daily dose of nature offers many health benefits. It improves mood, helps enhance concentration, and reduces stress. For modern people, especially those living in urbanizing environments, contact with nature is no longer a given. A prescription or advice from a doctor or healthcare provider can provide that extra push needed. As shown by the experiences of general practitioners already using Nature on Prescription, it can also help reduce the pressure on healthcare itself.
What we’re going to do
We connect with the network of existing referrers. General practitioners, practice nurses, and physiotherapists receive guidance and support to help their clients—whether through direct referral or otherwise—engage with nature and nature-based activities in their living environment. Experiences from primary care are actively shared, including through continuing education and workshops, and the Toolkit Nature for Health from Alles is Gezondheid and the Association of Doctors and Lifestyle is made available.
Project Leader and Coordinator for Nature on Prescription Appointed
Annette Postma, project leader for Nature on Prescription, will join forces with the newly appointed coordinator Mariska van ’t Klooster, the Health domain leaders of Collectief Natuurinclusief, and the organizations Alles is Gezondheid, Nature For Health, and IVN Natuureducatie to give Nature on Prescription an extra boost.
What we aim to achieve by the end of 2026
Short-term activities
Short-term activities planned:
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Gathering content: Collect valuable existing and new experiences where Nature on Prescription is already being practiced or will soon be. There are different variants— which are the most scalable?
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Revamping and expanding the website: The existing Nature on Prescription website will be renewed and developed into a tool for Nature For Health, IVN Natuureducatie, Alles is Gezondheid, and the Association of Doctors and Lifestyle to use together.
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Action plan: An action plan will be created, including funding indications for executing the plan over the next three years.
These activities will be carried out in the coming months, in collaboration with several “green pioneers” in primary care. National partnerships will also be developed.
Interested in participating?
General practitioners and/or physiotherapists, healthcare networks and/or insurers, municipalities, and other organizations interested in contributing to the ambitions of the Nature on Prescription initiative can get in touch via one of the following contacts:
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Coordinator Mariska van ’t Klooster: mariska@kokenpartners.nl
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Project leader Annette Postma: annette@annettepostma.nl
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Health domain leader of Collectief Natuurinclusief, Rob Wolters: r.wolters@agendanatuurinclusief.nl
Join us!
This article was previously published on the website of Collectief Natuurinclusief.