CONNECTING with nature through the senses improves physiological and psychological health.

Partnering with the Camp John Hay Management, the Department of Tourism–Cordillera (DoT-CAR) is pushing for the protection and preservation of Baguio’s urban forests and protected natural parks with last year’s launch of its forest bathing project at the former United States Armed Forces rest and recreation facility.

An urban forest is defined as “a forest or a collection of trees that grow within a city, town or a suburb.”

DoT-CAR said this pioneering activity supports responsible and sustainable tourism as well as the preservation of forests in the city that is facing problems such as pollution and overcrowding.

Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s and is called shirin-yoku. It is a practice of connecting with forests or nature in general through the senses, improving physiological and psychological health.

In the book Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, recently published by the Penguin Publishing Group, author Qing Li explains the practice is a commune with nature and that “by opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.”

CONNECTING with nature through the senses improves physiological and psychological health. The activity, which is also in line with the Baguio’s distinction as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City, will include creative spaces for artworks on the forest bathing trails to augment visitors’ experience.

Meditative exercises such as yoga and traditional healing practices in the form of hilot, herbal medicines and the like will also be eventually part of the project.

In choosing Camp John Hay (CJH) Forest Reservation as its pilot site, DoT-CAR said the camp “is still considered as verdant and teeming with pine trees (Pinus kesiya) and is home to a significant amount of bird biodiversity that can be tapped for ecotourism and must be considered in the environmental management of the reservation.”

It also said CJH is the most appropriate place in Baguio since it is the only place in the city with the most pine trees.

“The sprawling camp still has enough forest cover to allow fresh air to circulate, unlike in the heavily polluted city proper,” it added.

Former DoT-CAR regional director and now Tourism Promotions Board chief Marie Venus Tan likewise explained the program is geared towards reviving the city into a rest and recreation place with efforts to regreen Baguio, as well as promote its history, culture and traditions.

By putting off the gadgets and by being with nature, it will help people to detoxify and relive stress, she said, quipping, “There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.”