Das internetgestützte Informationsportal Naturschutz und Gesundheit (NatGesIS) im Bundesamt für Naturschutz

Abstract

Between nature and health respectively nature conservation and health protection various positive linkages exist such as in the context of recreation and outdoor exercise, natural medicine or healthy food/alimentation. These interactions have been proven recently by science. However, the understanding of the links between nature (conservation) and health in the broader public as well as in the scientific community is often limited to existence of a functioning nature and environment as a basis for human health (see Classen et al., 2005). But nature conservation can offer an important contribution to the enhancement of a healthy life style and the creation of a healthy environment. The positive synergies between the two fields should be used to create a greater public awareness on the “health value” of nature. This is useful to better the campaign for nature and to enhance the acceptance for nature conservation. To achieve these goals a strategic approach to communication is needed. This approach should integrate different target groups such as experts in nature conservation and health, but also a broader public with their different needs, motives, values and norms. A systematic editing of available information concerning nature conservation and health in Germany and their provision for a broad range of users is available up to now. The elaboration and implementation of a web-based information system on nature conservation and health by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation is filling this gap.