Page - 351 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

351 In general, and perhaps more so than in most other European countries, the Finnish people are active, outdoor people, for whom nature is an essential part of everyday life and leisure time. This active relationship with nature has improved their social, physical and mental well-being, and the positive relationship towards nature provides a good basis for developing new positive synergies that are based on the natural environment. There is also a good number of private companies that have based their businesses on the positive interconnections between people and nature. 15.3.3.4 Main Challenges At a national level there is still a need to promote cross-sectoral dialogue, especially between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. These ministries and their research and development institutes can make progress through mainstreaming and enhancing national cooperation between governmental and other sectors, including private companies. There is a need for more detailed scientific evidence on the interlinkages of nature and health, but at the same time, it is very clear that experts, practitioners and decision makers do know enough to act, which means integrating the known positive health effects of nature into national health-care strategies and policies. For instance, Finland could invest in nature-based solutions such as the integration of biodiverse green spaces in urban development, and better control the use of antimicrobials, pesticides and other biocides harmful for human health, and also for biodiversity. 3. Communications and cooperation Increased knowledge of the connection between biodiversity and health needs to reach key actors and influence decision making. PWF has initi- ated cooperation with two regional hospital construction projects with the aim of enhancing customer experience and speeding up recovery by intro- ducing strong green space imagery, natural soundscape and materials, as well as new operational models utilising the nearby nature. Enjoying the outdoors can also contribute to biodiversity. PWF runs national Shepherd Weeks attracting thousands of applicants each year, and so far over 1,500 volunteers (see Fig.  15.1b). During the Shepherd Weeks volunteers on 12 sites contribute to nature conservation and landscape management, taking care of grazing animals. The week in nature helps volunteers in recovery from stress, improving mood and enhancing family ties. The HPHPF programme continues to inspire PWF and partners in coming up with practical outcomes and new development projects. Box 15.2 (continued) 15 European Nature and  Health Network Initiatives