Session Title:
Nature-based therapies in the Alpine region: New evidence and future perspectives in the DACH region
Session Date:
19.11.25
Session Time:
12.00h CET (Central European Time)
Duration:
4 hour
Format:
Online and In-person
Language:
German with English translation through Zoom’s Closed Captions for the online format
Location for the in person event:
Gastein Healing Cave, Bad Gastein, Heilstollen – health center for radon therapy
REGISTRATION
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Discover the healing power of nature at the RESONATE Global Spotlight in Gastein on 19 November 2025.Join leading researchers and health experts as they present groundbreaking evidence on nature-based therapies across the DACH region. Experience engaging talks, a plenary discussion, and a visit to the world-famous Gastein Healing Cave. Be part of this unique exchange on the future of health, science, and sustainability in the Alpine region.
Programme and Content
Talk 1: Results of the WIWA2 study: Nature-based therapy for chronic low back pain, a multicentre study in Bad Füssing (Germany) and Bad Hofgastein (Austria)
Gisela Immich | Michael Bischof
WiWa2 is an EU Interreg project in which innovative cross-border health services related to forests and water are being developed. As part of this project, a multicentre study was conducted on the effectiveness of nature-based rehabilitation for chronic low back pain. The results from Bad Füssing (Germany) and Bad Hofgastein (Austria) will be presented for the first time in this talk.
Talk 2: Results of the GIDEX study: Nature-based gerontoprophylaxis
Arnulf Hartl | Vera Foisner
The GIDEX study investigated nature-based prevention in the Gastein Valley among people aged 65 to 75. The results show that a two-week combination of hiking and the use of Gastein’s natural healing resources measurably strengthens the immune system and changes the ratio of T cells to younger immune cells. Accompanying health apps increase the sustainability of the effects on well-being and quality of life for up to 180 days after the intervention. Thus, the study provides the first evidence-based proof of the effectiveness of nature-based gerontoprophylaxis.
Plenary Session
Format: 10-minute input from each speaker followed by discussion
The inputs will be moderated
1) RESONATE GLOBAL NBT MAP
Julia Egger
2) Overview of nature-based therapies and forest therapy in Germany
Gabriella Squarra
This contribution offers a brief overview of nature-based therapies and forest therapy in Germany. The focus is on initiatives by the Bavarian Spa and Health Resort Association. Key developments, successful implementation methods and current challenges are illustrated using selected best practice examples from research and practice.
3) Big data meets nature: the Gastein Healing Gallery
The Gastein Healing Gallery treats 10,000 patients a year with nature-based therapy, primarily those with Bechterew’s disease. A digital tool collects patient-oriented outcomes according to the biopsychosocial model. The aim is to create a clinical decision support system that indicates which patient subgroups respond particularly well to the therapy. In the long term, a green prescription model for nature-based interventions for exposome-influenced diseases will be developed.
Christoph Köstinger
Gastein Healing Gallery
Gisela Immich
LMU Munich
Michael Bischof
PMU Salzburg
Gabriella Squarra
Bayerischer Heilbäderverband e.V.
Arnulf Hartl
PMU Salzburg
Vera Foisner
PMU Salzburg