Forest therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku or "forest bathing," involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote mental and physical health. Originating from Japan, scientific studies have shown that regular forest therapy can reduce stress, improve mood, improve immunity, and lower blood pressure. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, forest therapy not only benefits individuals but also encourages conservation efforts and sustainable practices.

 

In Malaysia, forest therapy is gaining momentum thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Keeren Sundara Rajoo. Since 2018, Dr. Keeren has been conducting scientific studies on forest therapy, making Malaysia one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to implement such research. The first scientifically backed forest therapy trails are being constructed in Kelantan, in cooperation with the Kelantan State Forestry Department (JPNK).

 

Dr. Keeren Sundara Rajoo, the Head of the Borneo Biodiversity Laboratory at the Institute EcoScience Borneo (IEB), Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) and senior lecturer at the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, has made significant strides in bringing Malaysian forest therapy to the forefront of international attention. Recently, at the prestigious International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Congress 2024 in Sweden (IUFRO Stockholm 2024), Dr. Keeren showcased the profound benefits and innovative projects associated with forest therapy in Malaysia.

 

At the congress, which is held every five years, he presented research on forest therapy in Malaysia. His presentations captivated an international audience, highlighting the unique cultural and ecological advantages of Malaysia’s rich forest landscapes. Regular forest therapy sessions, he noted, can improve cognitive performance through mindfulness and relaxation. They can also significantly reduce work stress and lower blood pressure, provided they are done consistently. This was echoed by Dr. Melanie H. Adamek of the Institute of Forest Medicine and Forest Therapy in Germany, who emphasized the medical evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of forest therapy. Therefore, forest therapy can serve as a cost-effective approach to maintaining well-being in Malaysia.

 

Dr. Keeren also presented on UPM's collaborative forest therapy projects with JPNK. In these projects, forest therapy practices have been adapted to better suit local culture by incorporating elements like Senaman Melayu Tua. This culturally tailored approach has been well-received, with Dr. Guangyu Wang from the University of British Columbia in Canada noting the importance of integrating local elements into forest therapy practices to enhance their effectiveness and cultural relevance. He also said that this practice can both preserve and promote Malaysian culture to the world.

 

Beyond sharing research findings, Dr. Keeren seized the opportunity to also forge important global connections. Discussions with Alex Gesse from the Forest Therapy Hub in Portugal focused on integrating Malaysia into this massive multinational forest therapy organization. Plans include starting an internationally recognized certification scheme for forest therapy guides, which would position Malaysia as a key tropical forest therapy location, benefiting the community and boosting Malaysia's ecotourism industry. The global ecotourism industry was estimated to be worth 172.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, meaning that it could be especially beneficial to the socio-economic development of Malaysia’s rural communities.

 

Dr. Keeren's international engagements extended to a hands-on session with forest therapy expert Jessica Deguara at the Harcourt Arboretum, University of Oxford. This session facilitated a rich exchange of ideas, with Dr. Keeren gifting his book, "Forest Therapy in Malaysia," to further discussions on potential research applications. Jessica shared insights on how University of Oxford facilitates forest therapy sessions with local communities. Besides improving their physical and mental health, these sessions also help to foster stronger ties between the university and local communities. She believes that Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) should utilize Malaysia’s lush forests and rich culture to position the nation at the forefront of forest therapy.

 

Dr. Keeren Sundara Rajoo's efforts and collaborations at IUFRO Stockholm 2024 mark a pivotal step in promoting the therapeutic and ecological benefits of Malaysian forests, heralding a new era of international recognition and leadership for Malaysia in forest therapy research and applications.