The “Nature Heals” program, run by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) since November 2023, uses nature to help Israelis, particularly young people, deal with mental health challenges after the October 7th attacks. Since the 2023 attack on Israel, over 100 thousand Israelis have gained some sense of peace and calmness through this program.
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Traditionally, SPNI is dedicated to conservation and initiatives within Israel’s natural areas. However, SPNI recognized the urgent need to address the widespread psychological distress gripping the nation and particularly Israel’s youth community.
SPNI is not new to helping the Israeli community. After the destruction of the October 7th attacks, SPNI gave emergency shelter, in their facilities, to over 220 families at no cost. Additionally, schools run by SPNI in Eilat and Ein Gedi partnered with IsraAid and the Ministry of Education to provide space for displaced children to attend school, thereby offering some sense of normalcy during such volatile times.
The “Nature Heals” program is not only targeting adolescents. They also provide services for displaced families, military personnel, and the general public. Over 4,000 children have already attended the program’s 4-day tours. If someone is unable to participate in a tour, SPNI offers online eco-therapy. Over 30 thousand Israelis have viewed their “Nature at Home” content. The content includes live birds, tours, and lectures.
The in-person program is designed around a three-phase framework: Respite, Resilience, and Rehabilitation. The respite phase focuses on providing immediate relief through easily accessible natural experiences. The resilience phase, highlighted by the tours, offers an immersive experience that focuses on long-term physiological growth and instills positive beliefs in its participants. Finally, the rehabilitation phase aims to provide therapeutic activities aimed at long-term recovery.
So far, the results have been almost entirely positive. SPNI reports that 92% of teens stated they felt less anxious after attending one of the camps. Additionally, the programs are helping entire families, with 97% of parents reporting that their child had a significant, positive experience due to SPNIs’ work.
The success of the “Nature Heals” program would not have been possible without the support of various forces. Collaborations with local municipalities, therapists, and other welfare programs allow SPNI to reach out and recruit those from the most affected communities in Israel. One example of these positive partnerships is the collaboration with Sheba Medical Center. SPNI, Sheba, and the Eilat municipality have recently agreed to proceed with an eco-therapy retreat for recovering IDF soldiers. The program will provide professional trauma therapy in a natural setting.
Looking forward, “Nature Heals” does not plan to stop its work after the war is over. It plans only to expand and become a mainstay in eco-therapy in Israel. The program provides a compelling blueprint for trauma response and underscores the profound impact that eco-therapy can have on an individual. The goal SPNI set for itself is to engage over 700 students from the West Negev to Northern Israel at no cost.
::SPNI
