Interview with
Cecil Konijnendijk (WP9)

Who are you and for what partner organisation do you work?
My name is Cecil Konijnendijk and I am a Director with the Nature-Based Solutions Institute, a think tank for the evidence-based greening of cities.

What is your expertise related to nature-based therapy?
I have been involved in several studies that have looked at the impact of urban green spaces and other types of nature on our health and wellbeing, in among other the Nordic countries, Canada, China, and Malaysia. Moreover I chaired the Global Forest Expert Panel on Forests and Human Health. To date I have had less specific focus in my work on nature-based therapy but as a journal editor I am familiar with studies that have addressed this important topic.

Can you describe the Work Package (WP) you lead in a couple of sentences?
In our WP9 we coordinate all communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities within RESONATE, ensuring that different stakeholders and key audiences are aware of what the project is doing. Key instruments for this work include the RESONATE website, our social media accounts (see https://linktr.ee/resonatehorizon for an overview), as well as blogs, a special podcast series, and a series of events.

What excites you most about the RESONATE project?
It is great to work as part of a team with many of Europe’s leadings experts on nature-based therapy. We have known for a while that NbTs are important and can have a real impact on health and wellbeing but this project will help us scale up this knowledge. I also think that RESONATE will enhance awareness about NbTs among policy makers and medical professionals at different levels.

What is your own favourite way to engage with nature for your health and wellbeing?
For me it is essential to take microbreaks during my workdays, look out of the window, and admire the trees and wildlife they harbour. I also take regular walks to nearby parks during my day and take a moment to connect with my favourite non-human beings: trees and birds. When I need a bigger dose of nature I go to the forest or the coast.