Daily Dose of Nature: the manifest

Motivating as many Belgians as possible to enjoy a daily dose of nature. That is the intent of Daily Dose of Nature.

Spending time in nature does wonders for your physical and mental well-being. It invokes positive emotions, improves memory and concentration and reduces stress. It also has social benefits… we feel more connected when we are outside.

And the best of it is that even a microdose of nature is beneficial. Just ten minutes outside has a positive effect! And you don’t need to specifically seek out lush green woods or a breath-taking landscape. You can find nature around every corner.

In the Daily Dose of Nature manifesto, five experts explain the many benefits of a daily dose of nature.

Some key conclusions from the manifesto:

Green environments improve our mental well-being.

A daily dose of nature fights diabetes.

Nature in the workplace makes us happier and more productive.

Read the full manifesto

The experts who wrote the manifesto

From professors to an agricultural engineer: these bright minds stand behind Daily Dose of Nature.

Prof. Tim Nawrot,

Professor of Environmental Epidemiology

“Public space can help prevent disease.”

Tim Nawrot is head of the Environmental and Molecular Epidemiology research division at Hasselt University and is a part-time professor at the Environmental and Health Unit of KU Leuven.

His research focuses on nature exposure in the early life stages of children and how it affects parts of DNA to understand the health and disease process over the course of life. He is a co-editor of Environmental Health magazine and received an award from AstraZeneca two years ago for his contribution to public health.

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Prof. Dirk Avonts,

author of the book ‘Nature on doctor’s prescription’

“Walking on natural trails improves our balance and reflexes.”

Dirk Avonts was a general practitioner in Antwerp for 35 years and previously worked for the Institute of Tropical Medicine and Ghent University. Together with Wim Van Hees, he wrote the book “Big questions about particulates”. He is also affiliated with the Care and Natural Environment Chair of the University of Antwerp and is editor-in-chief of Huisarts Nu, the scientific magazine of Domus Media. Read less Read more

Nolwenn Lécuyer

agricultural

engineer

“It is by taking care of nature, that nature takes care of us!”

Nolwenn Lécuyer started working with the Shinrin Yoku discipline following scientific research into its health benefits for humans. This Japanese sylvotherapy is also called forest bathing. She is certified in sylvotherapy breathing and also works as a Shinrin Yoku guide. She is the owner of Senzu Forest, a company that offers a range of forest reconnection and immersion activities. Read less Read more

Prof. Lode Godderis,

lecturer at KU Leuven

and CEO Idewe

“Companies that focus on a ‘nature cure’ have happier staff.”

Lode Godderis is a lecturer at the Centre for the Environment and Health at KU Leuven. He researches the impact of work on health. For instance, he analyses air samples and biological samples from employees. He has already carried out several projects that focus on mental health and reintegration in the workplace. At the international level, he is involved in projects related to health and labour research. He is also CEO of IDEWE, the External Service for the Prevention and Protection at Work. Read less Read more

Tania Noël

PhD student in Social & Environmental Psychology, Uliège, PsyNCog

“A daily dose of nature is an easy way to improve our general well-being.”

Tania Noël researches the presence of green spaces in very poor neighbourhoods. She wants to better understand its impact, which will create awareness to increase these spaces. This project is linked to Urban Innovative Actions, an initiative of the European Union that encourages projects for sustainable urban development. She is conducting her interdisciplinary campaign/research project as a doctoral student at the University of Liège. Read less Read more

Endorsers of the manifesto

Walking enthusiast and well-known Fleming Leen Dendievel is supporting this campaign as an ambassador. Be inspired!

“Close the door behind you. And walk. Because walking is a peace of mind.”

The experts mentioned above have written about their support, but the manifesto is also widely supported by many others. Organisations, researchers and specialists from various sectors support it. Together, they want to create more awareness about the importance of a daily dose of nature and in so doing promote the general well-being of all Belgians:

Experts and ambassadors:

Prof Dr Dirk De Wachter, psychiatrist, Prof Dr med Steven Laureys, neurologist, brain scientist and author (U Liege, Belgium and U Laval, Canada), Ann De Bisschop, expert Wellbeing & Work Happiness, Filip Boen, professor in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Ilse Simoens, senior researcher 'Nature and Society', Institute for Nature and Forest Research (inbo), Daan Sorgeloos, expert Change Science, business manager Ginko, Joeri Cortens, educator at Natuuracademie, Maarten Vansteenkiste, professor of developmental and motivational psychology UGent, Anne-Marie Etienne, PO, Research Unit for a life-Course perspective on Health & Education (RUCHE), ULIège, Lieven Maesschalck, physiotherapist, Move to Cure, Adrien Devyver, TV presenter.

Organizations:

Natuurpunt, Natagora, River Cleanup, Go Forest, Onze Natuur, Belgische Cardiologische Liga, Domus Medica, Te Gek!?, Grote Routepaden

About Daily Dose of Nature

Daily Dose of Nature is an awareness campaign about the health benefits of nature. It is an initiative of A.S.Adventure in collaboration with various experts and organisations. Together, we want to encourage everyone to go out into nature every day.