Forest Ecosystem Services for Human Health

This chapter reviews researches showing the great potential of non-timber use of forest products, in particular needles, bark, wood, and cones from conifer species, which are especially rich of essential micronutrients and could substantially contribute to their adequate intake in the human diet. The valorization of bioactive molecules through the extraction from residues of forest biomass, if integrated into wood industry processes, could add value to the wood processing chain, offsetting production costs, providing additional income that could be reinvested in reforestation or afforestation policies, while reducing waste and improving the human health. This chapter also explores the tremendous potential, so far largely underexploited, to improve human mental and physiological health due to the forest healing effects, which is an important emerging forest ecosystem service. The role of biogenic volatile organic compounds emitted by plants in the forest atmosphere is discussed, as an important determinant of long-lasting physiological health benefits, such as the immune-protective ones, deriving from exposure to the forest environment. Forest bathing and forest therapy practices are proposed as a win-win strategy to improve public health while achieving considerable healthcare savings, raise economic and social opportunities in remote areas, and contribute to sustainable forest management.