Preface

Abstract

The Corona Virus 19 (COVID-19) disease outbreak that has occurred worldwide since March 2020 is causing a major public health crisis, daily routine disruptions, uncertainty, social isolation, economic loss, unemployment risk, etc., which affects the whole society, single individuals, and families. The widespread social isolation, quarantine, and lockdown measures adopted in the attempt to contain the infection spreading caused high levels of psychological distress, unfavorably influencing mental health by compromising emotional and cognitive functioning. The strategy for dealing with these problems is one of the greatest challenges faced worldwide. One solution that can be offered to overcome these problems is to apply a “green prescription” in which people are advised to leave the house to enjoy nature or do activities in nature because human interaction with the natural surroundings can cause a feeling of comfort.With this “green prescription”, it can be said that the health and wellness of today’s communities are highly reliant on trees, green spaces, city parks, and forests. As indoor public recreation facilities have closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, the use of outdoor recreation facilities has been a social-distancing appropriate alternative – such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and nature walks. Being in forests or parks with trees offers tremendous benefits for human physical, mental, and spiritual health. Spending time in forests, parks, or simply looking at trees helps boost immune systems, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mood and relaxation.List of Symposium Committee and List of Participants and Photographs are available in this pdf.