Forest-Based Health Tourism in the Context of International Practices and Türkiye

In contemporary times, characterized by urbanization, chronic stress, and lifestyle-related diseases, nature-based health solutions are increasingly gaining importance as a complementary component of preventive health services. Scientific studies have demonstrated that forest environments reduce stress indicators such as cortisol and blood pressure, and improve mood. This approach brings together biodiversity conservation and public health development within the same policy framework, contributing to both individual well-being and sustainable development. This study examines international practices related to health tourism in forests and evaluates the adequacy of Türkiye's legal and institutional infrastructure. The cases of Japan (shinrin-yoku since 1982), South Korea (forest welfare legislation), China (forest health bases), Germany (statutory therapeutic and healing forests), and Latvia (historical therapeutic area defined by law in Ķemeri National Park) have been compared through academic literature and official regulations. The results demonstrate that in successful countries, the health function of forest environments is defined according to evidence-based criteria and granted legal status. In Türkiye, although approximately 99% of forests are state-owned, health-oriented forest use is subject to two separate permit regimes under Article 17 of the Forest Law and Article 8 of the Tourism Promotion Law, both of which treat forests as immovable property. The study recommends linking the two permit regimes, defining a "therapeutic forest" category, establishing regulations for national parks and nature reserves, and adopting an integrated planning approach based on criteria such as biodiversity, tranquility, accessibility, water, and microclimate, integrated with ecotourism routes.