What is behind Biofilia and why should you join?
The connection with nature, through biofilia, has a positive impact on mental health, promoting resilience and reducing the effects of climate change.
The connection with nature has become an
essential pillar for overall wellbeing, especially considering its positive impact on mental and emotional health.What is behind Biofilia?
Biofilia, a concept that describes the bond between humans and the natural environment, has gained relevance as a response to contemporary challenges related to stress and urban isolation.
Sandra Ontiveros, a Psychology professor at the European University, states:
”Throughout history, many societies have found a balance with their environment, developing practices, beliefs, and rituals that honor and respect the land and its cycles. Recovering that bond allows us to reassess our relationship with the environment, strengthen social cohesion, and reconnect with an essential part of our humanity. In cities, where we often feel disconnected, returning to nature also means reconnecting with ourselves and others, adopting a more conscious, collective, and sustainable perspective.”
Proven Health Benefits
In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) report titled “Green and Blue Spaces and Mental Health” emphasizes that contact with nature, even in urban environments, significantly contributes to improving mood, strengthening emotional resilience, and reducing the psychological effects of climate change.
Additionally, it promotes physical activity. According to the report, the benefits of connecting with nature include:
1. Mood improvement:
In a world where stress is frequent, nature acts as a therapeutic refuge by reducing cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, while stimulating the release of serotonin and endorphins, which are linked to happiness and wellbeing.
2. Attention restoration:
In a digital environment that demands constant attention, the mind quickly becomes exhausted. Natural spaces allow the brain to relax, restoring its ability to concentrate and improving productivity.
3. Reducing the impact of climate change:
In addition to its environmental effects, climate change also affects the emotional wellbeing of people, giving rise to phenomena such as eco-anxiety.
This disorder, caused by fear for the planet’s future, can be mitigated by connecting with nature, generating a sense of hope and promoting sustainable actions.
4. Encouraging physical activity:
Green spaces are ideal for physical activity. Walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities promote physical health while maintaining a moment of connection with nature.
5. Social interaction:
Natural spaces also facilitate social interaction. These environments allow people to meet, share experiences, and strengthen community ties.
Whether it’s a family picnic, a group walk, or a conversation in a garden, these spaces encourage communication and a sense of community.
Initiatives in Colombia
In a country like Colombia, known for its vast biodiversity, with 311 types of ecosystems and 53% of its territory covered by forests, the opportunity to strengthen the bond with nature is significant.
This approach is reflected in projects such as the Valle del Lili Foundation Hospital in Cali, which has integrated biophilic design to create a hospital environment that promotes patient recovery while reducing the environmental impact.
In Cartagena, the biophilic architecture project led by Grupo Attia exemplifies a model of sustainable urbanism that incorporates nature within residential spaces to improve the quality of life of residents.
Sandra Ontiveros concludes:
”Integrating natural elements into buildings, public spaces, and private environments contributes to this balance: it improves mental health by reducing stress and promoting emotional wellbeing; it strengthens physical health by encouraging movement and activity; and it enhances social health by facilitating meetings, bonds, and a sense of community. Biofilia, therefore, is not just an aesthetic or architectural trend: it is an effective public health promotion and prevention strategy. In a country like Colombia, where biodiversity is one of its greatest treasures, reconnecting with nature in daily life is also a commitment to collective wellbeing.”
Thus, the connection with nature goes beyond personal enjoyment, transforming into a commitment to the health of the planet and future generations.
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