University of Navarra, Foresna-Zurgaia, Basartea and Gure Sustraiak have joined forces for the design and implementation of BiBos 6.0, an environmental and social initiative consisting of the design and implementation of a pilot program of forest baths in the Ollo Valley. "BiBos 6.0 will favor collaboration between the forestry, social and health sectors with the aim of putting Navarra as a leader in the use of its magnificent forests for human wellbeing," says Nati Gómez, Basartea's forestry engineer.

Forest bathing -a common practice in some countries such as Japan- is an activity that consists of immersing people in the natural environment to improve their well-being, thanks to the benefits provided by nature. "Many of us have experienced that we feel good being in the countryside, at a lake or at the beach. In recent years a growing number of studies show that contact with nature is beneficial for our physical and mental health," notes Ana Villarroya, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Navarra.

The project -awarded to Foresna last April by La Caixa Foundation and Caja Navarra Foundation through the Innovasocial program-has a grant of 60,000 euros and will run until April 2022. This pilot project will be developed with a methodology of social innovation by co-creation, in which participants collaborate in the design from the beginning.

The first phases of the project will be oriented to the exploration and conditioning of the environment, identification of interest groups, bibliographic research and training of guides. The socioeconomic development of the rural environment is one of the strengths of this demonstration project. "It is an interesting opportunity for landowners to enhance the value of their forests through the healthy benefits of contact with them. To do this, it will be necessary to obtain income for their use and enjoyment," emphasizes Juan Miguel Villarroel, manager of Foresna-Zurgaia.

The core of the project will be developed in phase three, during the months of March, April and May 2021, and in it the pilot activity will be implemented with the participation of residents and workers of the Gure Sustraiak farm school, promoting the integration and participation of people with intellectual disabilities. "Key to the project is the active participation before, during and after the project of people with disabilities living in our apartments in the Ollo Valley. In addition, we will apply the methodology that emerges to improve the quality of life of all participants; people with disabilities and educators," explains Raúl Pilar, director of the farm school Gure Sustraiak.

Phases 4, 5 and 6 of the project are focused on data analysis, monitoring, evaluation, dissemination, as well as drawing conclusions for potential implementation in other territories.