The journal Archives of Public Health has published the research article Testing nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory: a research programme protocol, authored by Mathew P. White and a large group of co-authors, including Giulia Amato and Ilaria Doimo from Etifor. The paper describes the scientific programme of the European project RESONATE (Building individual and community RESilience thrOugh NATurE-based therapies), funded by Horizon Europe and carried out by 14 partners across nine European countries over four years (2023–2027).
The project is grounded in Nature-based Biopsychosocial Resilience Theory (NBRT), a theoretical framework that understands contact with nature as a means of strengthening the capacity to cope with stress at the biological, psychological, and social levels. To test this theory, RESONATE has launched nine trials across Europe, targeting three population groups: healthy individuals, people at risk of metabolic syndrome, and those already living with conditions such as chronic stress, mobility challenges, or cognitive impairment. The methodological approaches range from longitudinal cohorts and randomised controlled trials to co-design processes involving local stakeholders. One of the trials takes place in the urban woodlands of Padua, with the direct involvement of the Etifor team.
Beyond the effects on individual participants, the project examines the broader implications of nature-based therapies in terms of health equity, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social acceptability, with the aim of producing practical guidance for health professionals, policymakers, and local communities.
