National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and the Pingtung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) have joined forces to demonstrate the power of cross-disciplinary practice and local connection. Together, they are promoting the cultivation of forest therapy professionals in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung area. Following comprehensive course training and a rigorous assessment, 30 associate forest therapy guides have officially entered their internship phase. An achievement presentation titled “Forest Therapy in Kaohsiung and Pingtung” was held on March 19 (2026) at the Linhousilin Flatland Forest Park. In follow up, a “Spring Forest Prescription” experience week will be held with the public invited to step into the woods and feel the healing power of nature for both body and mind.
This training program was promoted by Associate Professor Kai-An Lo from the NPUST Department of Forestry in collaboration with the Pingtung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA). The curriculum covers everything from forest therapy theory, forest ecology, and forestry laws to outdoor first aid and mental health. The program, which steps outside of the classroom to give focus to practical leadership, is being used to gradually build a professional forest therapy base in Southern Taiwan.
The 30 associate forest therapy guides come from diverse backgrounds, including national forest volunteers, professional interpreters, environmental educators, Indigenous community workers, social workers, psychologists, leisure farm operators, teachers, and retirees. With expertise coming from NPUST faculty, the full program requires the completion of 60 credits under the “FANCA Forest Therapy Guide Certification Course” (covering forest ecological knowledge, five-senses experience design, forest meditation, and breathing exercises) along with 15 credits of physical activity courses, two shadow internships, and three lead internships to ultimately earn their certification.
At the achievements presentation associate guides showcased their learning journeys and their transition from theory to practice by introducing the unique characteristics of forest therapy sites in the area and conducting on-site demonstrations. From March 23 to March 27, the 30 associate guides will conduct lead internships at Linhousilin Flatland Forest Park, Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, and Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Through activities such as forest strolling, breathing exercises, five-sense awareness, stream foot-bathing, bamboo staff walking, and “planting a heart tree,” they will help the public to establish a deeper connection with the forest and experience the positive effects of nature on emotional relief and health promotion.
The Pingtung Branch of FANCA stated that it will continue to harness NPUST’s forestry expertise to promote regional revitalization and social practice. The goal is to extend forest therapy from national forest recreation areas to local communities and Indigenous villages, ensuring that forests serve not only as sites for ecological education but also as vital forces for supporting public health and sustainable local development. This success of the course reflects the strong capabilities of the NPUST Department of Forestry with respect to forest resource development, health promotion applications, and practical talent cultivation. It also further highlights NPUST’s determination to use professional knowledge to meet social needs and partner with local sites to drive sustainable action.
