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Scoping Workshop to Develop a Healthy Parks Healthy People Nepalese Initiative A three day International workshop titled "Scoping Workshop to Develop a Healthy Parks Healthy People Nepalese Initiative" was hosted by IUCN Nepal with support from Parks Victoria, the Australian protected area management authority that has pioneered the Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) programme. The objectives of the workshop was to create awareness of the HPHP initiative and to determine how it can be adapted to the Nepal context and at the same time outline, discuss, identify and agree upon a specific framework for this initiative.
This workshop has brought together environment, health and trekking communities to explore the protection of earths two most important assets; People and Nature said Mr. Ian Walker, Director Healthy Parks, Parks Victoria. He also hoped that this would lead to new approaches to improve health outcomes for people in Nepal and for the enhancement and conservation of parks and open spaces. Mr. Peter Shadie, Programme Coordinator, IUCN, Asia Regional Office stated that The HPHP idea in Nepal was breaking new grounds through this workshop. Traditional programs of conservation and development are being pushed to new levels by understanding the links to human health. The concept is all about better using Nepal's Parks as country's public health strategy. He further added that IUCN has been delighted to partner with Parks Victoria in scoping out this concept for Nepal. In Asia, interest in HPHP has been shown in several developed countries including Singapore, South Korea and Japan. However, to date the HPHP idea has not been tested in a developing country context. There is uncertainty on whether the same principles can be applied to the developing world with its different drivers of policy and priorities and with protected areas often fulfilling direct livelihood benefits to poor people. Urban living usually detaches humans from the natural environment which is likely to be detrimental to health and wellbeing. In terms of health, green parks are usually just viewed as venues for leisure and sport. In fact, parks may be one of the only means of accessing nature for the majority of people in city areas, yet most people are unaware of their full range of potential health benefits. Recent researches have show that green parks, can reduce crime, foster psychological wellbeing, reduce stress, boost immunity, enhance productivity, and promote healing. Apart from the health benefits, HPHP initiative has been able to demonstrate both measurable direct and indirect economic benefits to local, regional and national economies in Europe. Experts working on health and environment issues from protected areas, health sector including mental health, International organisations based in Nepal, donor organisations, Nepal climbing and trekking community, government agencies and representatives from Parks Victoria are participating in the workshop. For more information, please contact:
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