The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has recently expressed their support for a new resolution from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). This resolution highlights the important role nature plays in improving human health and encourages greater cooperation between the conservation, healthcare, and research sectors.
Adopted during AFWA’s 116th Annual Meeting, the resolution acknowledges how nature can support the core aspects of lifestyle medicine, which includes good nutrition, physical activity, quality sleep, stress management, social connections, and avoiding harmful substances. The resolution points out that engaging in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and being involved in conservation can boost physical fitness, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.
John Findley, CEO of ACLM, remarked, “Nature is one of our most accessible resources for complete health. It provides us with places to move, relax, explore, and connect with others. Research indicates that spending time in nature may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and decrease inflammation. This resolution highlights a critical truth: the health of individuals and the health of the environment are closely linked. By encouraging more people to enjoy the benefits of nature, we can also foster a greater commitment to protecting our surroundings.”
Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, noted that state agencies play a vital role in linking communities to the outdoors and the natural resources that support everyone’s well-being. He emphasized that the resolution recognizes this connection, highlighting how healthy ecosystems lead to healthier communities, especially as hunting seasons commence across the nation, reminding us of the nutritional and communal benefits that these resources offer.
Collaboration Between Health and Conservation
The resolution originated from AFWA’s One Health Committee, which unites conservation leaders with health experts to tackle the relationship between wildlife, human health, and the environment. The committee’s goals align closely with the ACLM’s focus on health and the work of the Nature and Health Alliance (NHA) in promoting relevant research.
Dr. Jennifer Roberts, Chair of the NHA, expressed enthusiasm for the resolution, stating, “We are thrilled that the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies recognizes the vital connection between healthy individuals and a thriving natural world. This resolution opens doors for the NHA, ACLM, and conservation advocates to work together to enhance our understanding of how nature is beneficial for our health.”
Linking Interest in Nature to Healthcare
Recent survey results show a significant public interest in guidance about the health advantages of spending time outdoors. According to the American Nature & Health Survey conducted by NHA and REI Co-op, 83% of people would spend more time outside if a healthcare provider suggested it, though only 20% reported receiving such advice.
To bridge this gap, ACLM plans to introduce a new Continuing Medical Education (CME) course in 2027 focused on Nature and Health. This course, developed with support from NHA and the REI Cooperative Action Fund, aims to educate healthcare professionals about the relationship between nature and health, helping them incorporate nature-based interventions into their patient care practices.
A Shared Vision for Healthier Communities and Environment
The resolution highlights a growing awareness in the conservation field that preserving natural habitats can also promote human health and well-being.
Jason Sumners, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and Chair of AFWA’s One Health Committee, stated, “We cannot separate the health of people, wildlife, and the environment. This resolution illustrates our shared understanding and emphasizes the importance of collaborating to encourage communities to engage with and care for our natural resources.”
Jessica Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, remarked, “We find ourselves in a pivotal moment recognizing the $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy as a key solution for public health. This resolution aligns perfectly with our vision for an era where outdoor activities are accessible to all Americans, promoting health and well-being from their homes to the wilderness. We commend this initiative to strengthen the bond between recreation, conservation, healthcare, and research, ensuring access to nature is viewed as essential for health and wellness.”
