Research

In regions with a high population density - especially in urban areas - there is a high demand for natural, forest and agricultural areas for local recreation. Open and green spaces in the immediate and wider living environment that are accessible in everyday life offer numerous health benefits for the population In the course of climate change, the availability of these spaces is crucial for the heat resilience of the population. The natural and cultural landscapes surrounding urban centres are the focus of many interests that sometimes compete with their recreational value, such as housing, industry, intensified forms of cultivation, climate protection and mobility. In order to maintain the positive effects of open land and forest areas and to reconcile the different interests of use such as agriculture, forestry and recreational use, it is necessary to take current and future recreational behaviour into account when making decisions and planning projects. The change in temporal and spatial local recreation can have an impact on the management of agricultural and forestry land. In addition, a shift in recreational use influences the urban environment, e.g. through a change in the volume of mobility, which requires adapted management.

DanubeCrafts leverages the rich cultural heritage of the Danube Region to develop sustainable, innovative tourism concepts and promote regional growth. The project focuses on the region’s underutilized traditional crafts, customs, and rituals—many of which are at risk of being forgotten—alongside the largely untapped potential of thematic tourism. Through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach, DanubeCrafts seeks to preserve and revitalize traditional craft products and services, using thematic tourism tools to support and enhance these efforts. The overall objective of the project is to preserve, promote, and sustainably enhance traditional crafts along a “Traditional Crafts Route”, comprising several touristic itineraries (locations within local communities) with cultural and traditional attractions, to stimulate employment and broaden knowledge on generating new income streams for local craftsmen and artisans, with special attention to vulnerable groups and youth. International consortium comprising research institutions, public administration, representatives of craft and arts, tourism operators combine their expertise to address project objectives and shape innovative sustainable futures in the Danube region.

Traditionally, forests have been very popular places for recreation in Austria. International research supports the positive experiences of those seeking recreation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of forest stays, both in terms of prevention and as part of therapeutic programmes. With a few exceptions, the evidence comes mainly from East Asia (especially Japan and Korea). It can be assumed that the physiological and psychological mechanisms of forest experiences are valid across contexts and cultures. However, studies also indicate that results are not always generalisable. In order to provide decision-makers in the health care system with a solid basis for decision-making, an overview of the available evidence from Austria will be presented. The aim of the project is to show the data situation of forest-based green care forest research in Austria and to present the potential of the forest as a health space. Research gaps will be identified in order to stimulate further high quality research on forests and health in Austria.