Tools for assessment of human health dimensions in forests.

Tools for assessment of human health dimensions in forests Human health related to forests can be evaluated by Health Impact Assessment (HIA) methodologies and by us- ing indicators of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). The HIA systematically reviews the health aspects as- sociated with a development policy, plan or project for a forested area, whereas the indicators of SFM can be used to monitor and give information on the existing forests, and their management, including planning. A pre- requisite for the assessment of human health aspects in forestry context is defining the relevant indicators. The physical and mental aspects of human health as well as human diseases related to forest conditions are not cov- ered comprehensively and in an operational way for use in current forest management. The health aspects need more multidisciplinary research on the cause-effect relationships between health, forest management and bio- diversity. It is also necessary to develop methodologies for the estimation of the economic value of the non- market forest ecosystem services. This article outlines several possibilities to collaborate and develop joint ap- proaches between forest and health sector to assess the health aspect in forests and to ensure that the health aspects in forest management are taken into consideration.