Fourth Local Living Lab in Poland
On April 25 2024 the Podkarpackie Region led the 4th Local Living Lab in Poland.
The meeting participants were welcomed by Antoni Jeż - regional coordinator of the GREENHEALTH project, who briefed on the project implementation of the 2nd and 3rd semesters.
The coordinator reviewed the second inter-regional workshop in Croatia where partners shared the "Good Practices" like those from the Podkarpackie Region for potential replication.
The coordinator highlighted the project staff's participation in the "Europe, let's cooperate" conference in Antwerp and the upcoming Inter-regional Learning Workshop in Ireland.
Anna Daleka from the Department of Regional Economy outlined the tasks for the 4th semester, including the Polish hosting the Interregional Learning Workshop with a study visit to the Podkarpackie Region on "Sustainable Inclusivity."
Prof. Dr. Idalia Kasprzyk discussed the "Regional Initiative of Excellence" project by the University of Rzeszow, focusing on studying environmental pollution by micro- and nanoplastics, heavy metals, PAHs, pesticides, PM2.5, and PM10 nanoparticles. The project inspired by GREENHEALTH includes tools for assessing water safety, identifying pollution sources, and monitoring environmental radioactivity, especially in spa areas.
Ms. Magdalena Radecka-Gibała discussed the Department of Environmental Protection's new task related to popularizing "forest bathing" in Podkarpackie, stemming from the GREENHEALTH project.
Forest bathing, or "shinrin-yoku" in Japan, is a practice of mindfully immersing oneself in the forest, engaging all senses during a slow walk among trees to benefit from nature's properties. The idea is to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the forest, listen to the birds singing, the sound of the leaves, smell the trees and the earth. This practice has many benefits for physical and mental health. Among other things, it helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. It's a great way to relax and unwind, as well as deepening nature connection.
Dariusz Kozik - acting director of the Complex of Landscape Parks in Przemyśl - presented a good practice on the rehabilitation and social readaptation of inmates in prisons located in Protected Areas, including the human and financial resources required for its implementation.
Dr. Bernadetta Bienia from the State Academy of Applied Sciences in Krosno shared practices in Herbalism. PANS in Krosno supports Herbalism due to the rising interest in herbal medicine in southeastern Poland.
The Polish Society of Herbalists and Phytotherapists in Krosno has been active since 2012, conducting training and publishing activities. Krosno University publishes "Herbalism," a peer-reviewed journal on medicinal plants, and the quarterly "Tips for Health."
In 2016, the university launched a major in Herbalism, which revealed a broader need in the field. A wide range of offers has been created, addressed both to people with higher education (postgraduate studies Herbs, dietary supplements and natural cosmetics) and without (herbal courses: Phytotherapist Herbalist, Biological Therapies, Cultivation and economic importance of herbal plants).
The meeting was summarized and concluded by Mr. Antoni Jeż.
He highlighted the significance of the Local Living Lab in project goals. Stressing the need to enhance cooperation between Protected Areas managers and health professionals, and to raise awareness and conduct research on the impact of Protected Areas on human health.
You can view the original article from the Podkarpackie Region at this link.