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Overview of Topic 1.3 ForestWell Initiatives Provide Profound Health Benefits to Participants explains how ForestWell initiatives and practices offer extensive health benefits. It explores and provides scientific research on the physical, mental, and emotional advantages of forest wellness, highlighting its impact on reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and improving overall mental health. By understanding these benefits, participants gain insights into the therapeutic potential of forest environments and the growing trend of forest-based wellness tourism.
Forest wellness (ForestWell) is not just a fleeting trend but a rapidly growing market that recognises the profound health benefits of reconnecting with forests and nature. As more individuals seek holistic health solutions, the demand for integrating forest environments into wellness practices and tourism experiences will continue to rise.
Worldwide, forest-bathing retreats and experiences are becoming more widely available, as our understanding of the connection between nature and well-being grows.
(Source)
Forest wellness is valued and important to people because it offers a natural way to enhance their physical well-being and improve their mental health. Research has proven that time spent in forests can reduce stress, boost mood, improve cognitive function, and strengthen the immune system. For communities, embracing forest wellness can form a stronger connection to nature and its benefits,, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance the quality of community life. It also attracts tourists, offering unique, restorative travel experiences that go beyond conventional tourism.
For society at large, ForestWell represents a holistic and sustainable approach to health, wellness, and tourism. By combining the therapeutic advantages of forest environments with wellness activities and eco-friendly tourism practices, this concept addresses the growing demand for restorative travel experiences. It supports individual well-being and the sustainable development of the tourism industry, ensuring a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental conservation. Forest wellness, therefore, benefits people, communities, tourists, and society by promoting health, environmental awareness, and driving sustainable economic growth.
(Source Source Crystal’s Nature Quests)
The health benefits of forest wellbeing are profound and multifaceted, offering a natural remedy to some of today’s most pressing health concerns. Spending time in forest environments can significantly reduce stress, bolster the immune system, and enhance mental health. Forests provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. The natural compounds released by trees, known as phytoncides, have been shown to boost immune function, helping the body to fight off illnesses more effectively. Additionally, the calming ambiance and the opportunity for mindful engagement in nature improve mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Embracing forest wellbeing is a powerful step towards holistic health and a balanced life. People feel more balanced and in a better mood after regularly visiting forests.
Forest-based health care activities can improve the quality of sleep and encourage regular physical exercise. Being in a forest environment also has a positive effect on the human emotional state. It contributes to recovering from stress-related exhaustion.In the case of hospitals and other healthcare facilities, viewing green spaces can measurably reduce patient stress and improve health outcomes. Natural settings such as parks, woodland and forests, facilitate social contact and positive communication between different user groups. Programmes of health interventions delivered in such spaces have the potential to positively impact particularly vulnerable groups, such as children and youth, people with low income, with disabilities or people with a migratory background. This could support better social integration. Access to forests, the quality of their management for public enjoyment and proximity to large populations are key factors in maximising their value for health and well-being. Forests, along with other green spaces need to be viewed as a key component of a green infrastructure benefiting public health.
As there are so many benefits to gain in this section we will explore how it reduces stress reduction, boosts the immune system and improves mental health.
Beginning his study in 1990, Li, who is considered a foremost authority on the practice of mental health and forest bathing, concludes that ‘forest bathing can boost the immune system, increase energy, reduce stress and decrease anger, anxiety and depression’.
(Source: Source AD Culture and Lifestyle)
Several studies have associated nature walks with improvements in mood. A study from researchers at the University of Michigan looked at the effects of a walk in the woods on people with depression. The researchers concluded that interacting with nature may be useful clinically as a supplement to existing treatments for major depression. Forest therapy has also shown the potential to help in recovery from trauma and PTSD. (Source American Psychiatry Association)
In some countries, forests are actually used as a part of health care in collaboration with medical institutions. For example, in Germany, nature walks are included in the traditional therapy, “kur” (“course of treatment”) along with herbal remedies and mud baths (Maretzki 1987). In Japan, “forest bathing” (spending time in forests) is regarded as preventive medicine, with medical professionals recommending forest walks to people who have been diagnosed as overstressed or with symptoms such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol (Source Forest Therapy Society 2013).
Swedish researcher Roger Ulrich demonstrated back in the 1980s that alone the view of a tree from a hospital window helps patients make a swifter recovery.
Austrian biologist Clemens G. Arvay found out that signals and compounds from plants such as terpenes stimulate our immune system. In addition, exercise in the fresh air reduces blood pressure, strengthens the heart and circulation and deepens the breath.
According to a US study, regular forest bathing reduces stress, or cortisol levels to be precise. In Japan and the USA, forest bathing has become an officially recognised form of therapy.(Source Being Outdoors Makes Us Happier)
Forest bathing is not just important for improving wellbeing, but it may also improve one’s physical health. Studies have found that forest bathing could increase immune cell activity and aid in the expression of anti-cancer proteins. In one study, a group of 12 men aged 37-55 spent three days practicing forest bathing in three different forests. Afterward, the men showed a 50 percent increase in natural killer cells (which can kill tumor cells) and an increase in the anti-cancer proteins perforin, granzymes, and granulysin. (Source Standford University)
A meta-analysis reviewed studies where forest bathing was introduced to people living in urban environments, who generally have a higher risk of hypertension and psychological stress. Not only did the practice reduce their stress, but it also significantly lowered their blood pressure.
(Source National Library of Medicine, 2023)
A study by researchers in Japan found that for a group of urban office workers, the physiological and psychological relaxation benefits lasted three to five days after forest therapy. One study found that compared to an urban walk, a leisurely forest walk led to 12 percent lower stress hormone levels, as well as decreased blood pressure and heart rate and boosted immune function. Studies have also found that walking in nature improves attention and reduces ADHD symptoms in children, and it has also been associated with increased creativity and problem-solving ability.
(Source American Psychiatry Association)
(Source Source Discover the Forest)
Physical inactivity has detrimental effects and is considered a leading risk factor for global mortality and morbidity rates of non-communicable diseases, negative influences on mental well-being, and poor quality of life. Moreover, physical inactivity could be a cause of increased burden of chronic health conditions, which leads to higher annual health care expenditure.. Adequate physical activities support a healthy lifestyle with significant physical and mental wellbeing and aid in preventing chronic illnesses. (Source Journal of Public Health and Emergency).
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the physical activity requirements are an average of 180 minutes of different types of activities per day for children; approximately 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day for adolescents; and around 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous types of activity per week for adults and older people. (Source World Health Organisation)
The physical health benefits of forest wellbeing are extensive, such as increased energy levels, improved physical health, enhanced sleep, and greater productivity. Immersing oneself in forest environments offers a natural boost to overall vitality and wellness. During COVID-19 lockdowns the EU saw a huge increase in forest related physical activities including biking, walking, climbing, foraging, nature viewing, yoga and mediation, camping, trail running, fishing, conservation volunteering, nature photography or birdwatching. As a result visitor numbers in urban green spaces and forests around cities surged, with people seeking relief from obesity, depression, and other mental health issues.These were easily incorporated into a people’s new health regime if they lived near a forest, which many have continued post-COVID and encouraged others to travel to visit and experience. As a result, forests continue to be critical infrastructure for human health and well-being in times of restricted freedom of movement and assembly.
The impacts of forests on human health and well-being can be indirect or direct in nature, often leading to short-term and long-term health improvements. They provide ecosystem services such as highly nutritious food supplements, fuelwood, medicinal plants, clean water, protection against natural hazards, and income, all of which indirectly enhance health and well-being. Another contribution of forests to human health is related to better environmental quality in and around forest areas, including urban green spaces.
Green physical activities (GPA) or green exercises (GE) are defined as any form of physical activity (PA) or exercise that takes place in urban green spaces like forests, parks and the countryside. The global estimates indicate that one in four adults do not engage in a satisfactory level of exercise and the prevalence of PA has not been raised to the expected levels in the past decade as well (Source Journal of Public Health and Emergency).
Recommended Reading Effectiveness of Green Physical Activity for Improving Health and Wellbeing)
Increased Energy Levels: Time spent in forests can lead to higher energy levels and reduced fatigue. Research indicates that exposure to natural settings helps reduce mental exhaustion, allowing for a rejuvenated sense of vigor. A study conducted by the University of Rochester found that ‘spending time in nature can increase energy levels by as much as 20%’.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology demonstrated that physical activity in green spaces leads to better overall physical health outcomes compared to indoor environments.
Improved Physical Health: Engaging in forest-related activities such as hiking, walking, and yoga enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves overall fitness. Regular physical activity in natural settings can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
There is irrefutable evidence of the effectiveness regular physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis. According to the HSE, ‘being physically active can reduce your chances of developing a chronic disease by up to 50% as well as reducing the risk of premature death by 20 to 30%’. (Source Teagasc)
Further research is needed to fully understand the many benefits of forests, the dose-effect relationships, and to improve forest-based care activities. Cross-sectoral cooperation with public health professionals, urban developers, and other sectors is encouraged. Additionally, the growing interest in forest wellbeing presents opportunities for businesses with innovative approaches to forest-based health interventions and green care activities to emerge.
(Source European Forest Institute)
Coillte Health and Wellbeing Programs – Get Ireland Walking in Forests in Ireland
Recognising the link between outdoors, mental health and well-being is so important, Coillte collaborated with the HSE, Mental Health Ireland, See Change and Get Ireland Walking to promote positive mental health and well-being in forests and forest parks throughout Ireland.
‘Forests contribute to the public health agenda by providing natural restorative spaces. Research studies from many countries, including Australia, Japan, Scotland and Sweden have highlighted the contributions of trees, woodlands and green spaces to people’s overall health and well-being.
Coillte’s national projects included Woodlands For Health, Let’s Talk & Walk – Green Ribbon Campaign, Mental Health Ireland’s Summer Solstice Well-being Day, and 5000 Steps To Well-being. Woodlands For Health, an innovative Eco Therapy program was developed by Coillte and prescribed by HSE professionals, it engages adults with mental health challenges in forest activities to enhance their quality of life. Launched in 2012 in Wicklow, this partnership involves Coillte, HSE/Wicklow Mental Health Service, Mental Health Ireland, Wicklow Mental Health Association, and Wicklow Sports Partnership.
‘Evaluations by the HSE and University College Dublin show significant improvements: participants’ mood improved by 75%, sleep by 66%, and thoughts of suicide declined by 82%’.
(Source Coillte Health and Wellbeing)
(Source The Psychological and Physical Impacts of Spending Time in Forests)
Further Reading Coillte Woodlands for Health Implementation Plan
Improved Sleep: Forest wellbeing also promotes better sleep quality. The natural light exposure and physical activity associated with outdoor environments help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep duration and quality. Research from Stanford University found that participants who spent time in natural settings experienced more restful sleep and reported fewer sleep disturbances.
A study conducted in 2023 reported that Physical activity can help you sleep better in a variety of ways.
First, it increases the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. As a result, physical activity can assist in falling asleep faster and sleeping better.
Second, physical activity reduces stress, which is a typical impediment to falling and staying asleep.
Third, physical activity improves mood, leading to increased enthusiasm for physical exercise and a positive feedback loop. It was shown that active people had higher levels of positive affect and tranquility during exercise and lower levels of negative affect and tiredness.
Finally, physical activity helps to regulate body temperature, which is necessary for falling asleep, as an increase in body temperature during physical activity aids the eventual drop 30-90 minutes post-exercises, facilitating easier sleepiness. (Source The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorder)
Recommended Reading More Sunlight Exposure May Improve Sleep
Enhanced Productivity: Exposure to nature has been shown to enhance cognitive function and productivity. Natural environments improve focus, attention, and creative problem-solving skills. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that individuals who spent time in nature exhibited higher levels of task performance and cognitive flexibility.
Forest-Related Activities: Various activities contribute to these physical benefits, including:
Scientific research consistently supports these benefits. For example, a study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that forest bathing significantly reduced cortisol levels, a marker of stress, while another study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted the immune-boosting effects of phytoncides, natural compounds emitted by trees.
Recommended Reading The Impact of Forest TherapyPrograms on Stress Reduction
Recommended Reading Examining the Effects of Exposure to Nature on Well-Being, 2016
‘Nature is not only nice to have, it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive functioning.’ – Richard Louv
Yannick Joye and her colleagues have been researching how we feel in nature and how nature makes us feel. They state that ‘being in nature gives our brains a rest and provides us with positive emotions because we can absorb information without mental effort’. They also reported that the natural curves, few straight lines, and myriad shades of colours, accompanied by different light and sounds in natural settings, are perceived to be more coherent by our senses compared to man-made settings. (Source When Complex Is Easy on the Mind)
Confronted by “sameness,” our brain naturally looks for differences, but when it can’t find enough variations, it blends everything together, becoming “blind” to the individual items or packages themselves. Nature offers the opposite because there are seldom too many of the same items available for view. The constant change and shifting of items within natural environments allow for the sense of continuity and comfort we experience when in nature.
The phrase ‘soft focus’ can be used to define what our brain does when we’re looking at nature – our brain is softly, gently engaged, without feeling a need to focus on any one thing specifically. It’s not searching for patterns as it’s engaged with perceiving subtle, ever-changing, natural phenomena. Looking at natural patterns can enhance our ability to problem solve and think clearly, some research suggests, as exposure to fractals led to participants solving puzzles more accurately, easily, and quickly in Joye’s research.
Marc Berman along with other researchers, examined the cognitive benefits of interacting with nature using Attention Restoration Theory (ART), so they could come up with an analysis of the kinds of environments that lead to improvements in what they term ‘directed-attention’ abilities.Their research revealed that ‘walking in nature does improve such cognitive abilities as measured with tasks that assess attention restoration’. Their research also suggested that ‘cognitive tasks that involve working memory and cognitive flexibility may improve most reliably after nature exposure, while tasks that require attentional control show some improvements.’ and that ‘Apart from these physiological, cognitive, and psychological benefits that being exposed to nature and ‘greenness’ provide, another psychological effect has become well known: that of ‘awe.’
Awe is defined as ‘a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.’ A professor of psychology, Dacher Keltner, defines awe further by calling it ‘an emotion ‘in the upper reaches of pleasure and on the boundary of fear.’ She says that ‘experiencing awe provides us with several benefits, such as radically shifting our perspective, increasing our curiosity and open-mindedness, and our boundaries, or the capacity to separate ourselves from others using stereotypes’.
This shift allows us to feel more connected to humanity, which spurs altruistic behavior. It seems that seeing ourselves in perspective, seeing ourselves as small in comparison to nature and what it encompasses, invokes a sense of connectedness with other living beings that nothing we encounter in our man-made world can do. Researchers who study this effect suggest that it stems from seeing the earth’s beauty and fragility, coupled with a dissolution of the boundaries that separate us on earth.
(Source The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature).
(Source Dr Delia McCabe (Clinical Psychology)
‘Awe is an emotion in the upper reaches of pleasure and on the boundary of fear.’ – Dacher Keltner
And no, you don’t need to wear a bathing suit in the forest.
‘Forest bathing and forest therapy (or shinrin-yoku) broadly means taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. It was developed in Japan during the 1980s, and in 1982 Japan made this form of mobile meditation under the canopy of living forests a part of its national health program. Researchers, primarily in Japan and South Korea, have established a growing body of scientific literature on the diverse health benefits’. (Source Global Wellness Institute)
One research study showed that forest bathing improved immune function. When we inhale the oils released from trees (phytoncides), our cortisol levels decrease, and natural killer cell activity increases. These findings suggest forest bathing may have a preventive effect on cancer due to its ability to stimulate immune responses; however, more research needs to be conducted to better understand this phenomenon. (Source Source Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, 2010)
‘Forest bathing is the art of taking time to connect with the forest, absorbing all it has to offer through all the senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste’.
(Source Tree Council Ireland)
Contrary to hiking, where the mind can still ruminate about work or challenging relationships, forest bathing is a mindfulness practice in that it brings the mind into the present moment by taking in the forest with all five senses. For example, a forest bather would visually observe the colors of the leaves and stop to notice the sun’s rays through the trees. They might close their eyes and take in a deep breath through the nose to capture the scent of pine. As they take a step, they may hear the crackling of a fallen leaf from under their shoe, and then pause to notice the sensation of the wind on their cheeks. (Source Stanford University, Longevity)
Dr Qing Li, the author of the book ‘Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing’ is a world expert and has conducted numerous studies. His book offers this advice for the practice of shinrin-yoku: “Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.”
How exactly is nature immersion improving our health? Based on research cited in Forest Bathing, there are several mechanisms of action, including the reduction in screen time and noise pollution, cleaner air, and the soothing sight of the fractal patterns of nature. Additionally, there are two powerful health enhancers found in forests. These are phytonides and a specific class of microbes.
Connect Through All Five Senses
Research cited by Dr. Li suggests that the greatest health benefits come from connecting to nature via all five senses (that’s right: hearing, sight, smell, sound, and touch). For example, natural silence, and the sight of the natural fractal patterns of nature reduce stress by as much as 60%. In terms of smell, researchers found that there are a few factors associated with forest bathing, which increase mental clarity and our sense of well-being. These include phytoncides and M. vaccae and the presences of negative ions in the air. In terms of touch, grounding (skin to earth contact) maintains the flow of electromagnetic energy between your body and the natural world. Grounding reduces pain, boosts immunity, and decreases inflammation. Regarding taste, there are the many nutritional benefits of truly wild foods, though you must be educated and careful while experimenting. (Source The Trek)
Phytonides Forests not only have a higher concentration of oxygen, but the air is full of phytonides. Phytonides are the natural oils within a plant that are part of a tree’s defense system. Phytonides protect plants from bacteria, insects, and fungi. Evergreens like pine trees, cedars, spruces, and conifers are the largest producers of phytonides. The main components of phytoncides are terpenes. These are all those scents you smell as you hike through the forest. The major terpenes are: D-limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and camphene.
Phytoncides increase NK cells and NK activity, enhance activity of anticancer proteins, decrease levels of stress hormones, increase hours of sleep, decrease scores for tension, stimulate pleasant mood, lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase heart-rate variability, suppress sympathetic activity and increase parasympathetic activity.
Microbes When we walk outdoors we breathe in mycobacterium vaccae, a bacteria from the soil. This bacteria boosts the immune system and a boosted immune system makes us happier.
(Source Source Earth Runners )
Recommended Read Why Forest Bathing is the Hottest Wellness Trend Right Now
Recommended Reading Forest Bathing by Dr. Qing Li, The Nature Fix, and Ecopsychology.
What Happens When You Spend Just 5 Minutes in Nature?
Florence Williams writes: ‘Everyone needs access to clean, quiet and safe natural refuges… Short exposures to nature can make us less aggressive, more creative, more civic-minded and healthier overall…Japanese studies recommend ‘five hours per month as a forest walker’ for baseline health and lower stress. Just spending ten minutes per day walking, meditation or even arts and crafts near trees or in green spaces’ (Source The Nature Fix)
‘Since COVID people more than ever realise that spending just five minutes in nature can have profound benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Brief encounters with natural or forest environments, such as a walk in forest trail or sitting under a tree, have been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Even short periods of exposure to greenery and natural landscapes can enhance cognitive function, increase feelings of relaxation, and boost overall happiness. This quick immersion in nature acts as a mental reset, providing a sense of calm and rejuvenation that can significantly improve one’s day’. (Source American Psychiatry Association)
(Source Source Nature Fix)
“The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air – these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.” (Source: Dr. Qing Li, Forest Medicine Expert)
The 3 Day Effect
The 3-Day Effect is where you go outside for three days, and turn the phone off. According to Dr David Strayer “I think it takes the first two days and nights to wash away whatever veneer of civilisation you have brought with you. The new reality begins on that third day.”
Scientists have proven that 3-day + immersions in nature at a minimum can make us happier, healthier and more creative. Here’s the science how it can reduce anxiety, enhance creativity and boost overall well-being. This study published in 2012, ‘administered tests to 28 backpackers before and found a near 50% improvement– which is huge!’ says Strayer. A neural recalibration occurs, in which sensory perception and productive daydreaming (‘soft focus and DMN activity) occur.
Cognitive neuroscientist, David Strayer, an avid backpacker says that some of the best ideas emerge after three days of camping out, thoughts are clearer, they’re certainly more relaxed, preople report being more creative,” says Strayer. Strayer believes the frontal cortex of the backpackers’ brains got a much-needed break. When the attention network is freed up, other parts of the brain appear to take over, like those associated with sensory perception, empathy and productive day-dreaming.
Strayer wanted to find ways to test what he started calling “the 3-day effect,” a kind of neural reboot that might boost creativity. “I wanted to try to understand what was going on inside the brain,” he says.
Day 1 The first day in nature or forests, your mind is recalibrating and you start to notice things a little bit, to unwind from the modern world. You notice cloud patterns, sounds and smells, and it becomes really acute. You don’t need a watch anymore. You forget what day of the week it is.
Day 2 and nights are needed to wash away whatever veneer of civilisation you have brought with you.
Day 3 ‘Your new reality starts on the third day.’
(Source The 3-Day Effect)
Choose Green Over Screen or ‘Mini Nature Breaks’ Even mini breaks in nature result in improved physiological and psychological effects, along with a reduction in stress, as illustrated in some of the preceding research. We know that moving our body offers cognitive benefits but doing so in nature is a great way to maximise both benefits and our time. Also time seems to move slowly while we’re in nature due to the time-slowing effect nature exerts on our brain, which leaves us feeling less anxious and stressed. Most of us are stressed because our cognitive function is hampered, so a mini green break offers the opportunity to reduce stress levels naturally.
Bring Nature into Your Home and Workspace Add more plants to your lived spaces to continue enjoying the benefits of being close to and gazing at green plants. And change your screensaver to one that shows a nature scene versus a man-made one. Delia discovered that until the brain is properly nourished no amount of talking can support optimal cognitive functioning – or change.
Embracing forest wellbeing through various outdoor activities offers substantial physical benefits, backed by robust scientific research. Engaging with nature not only revitalises the body but also enhances sleep, productivity, and overall health, making it an essential component of a balanced lifestyle.
Forests Our New Happy Place: Check out how people in Austria are calling a 1,000 year old tree their ‘happy place’, located in the centre of their village. They believe it stimulates them to meditate and replenish their spiritual energy. (Source 1,000 year old Linden Tree, a ‘Happy Place’ in Austria)
Internal Forest Day Awareness Campaign
“Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well being” is the theme for the 2021 International Day of Forests. The restoration and sustainable forest management helps address climate change as well as the biodiversity crises. It also produces goods and services for sustainable development, creating long term job opportunities which then improves lives. 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.
See video below to see how International Day of the Forests 2021 aims to raise awareness on the importance of all types of forests, and of trees outside forests.
The FORESTWELL Projects aims are to implement the innovative and stimulating learning environment in VET and creation of an upskilling pathway for entrepreneurs in wellness and tourism.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.