FRIENDs
OF
SAANENWALD



Saanenmöser bY Gstaad - Switzerland

​since 2019



WHAT





'Friends of Saanenwald' is a non-profit association that is committed to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of people through deep connections with nature.



WHY





Various studies show that humans spend more than 90% of their time indoors, in environments that differ greatly from what were our natural living conditions. This mostly urban and technological based lifestyle creates stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Modern civilisation has witnessed an explosion of diseases directly caused by our lifestyle and diet. This problem is not only growing but growing faster than ever before.


Simultaneously, climate change also has a direct influence on the quality of human health. Reconnecting people with nature is a fundamental requirement to fight society's impact on our planet by initiating a genuine sustainable mindset.



GOALS





The association is focused on 3 primary goals:

​

1. EDUCATE:

A weeklong programme, called SAANENWALD -THE NATURE GIFT- , helps participants connect deeply with nature through many diverse activities among which Shinrin-Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing, is the core element. A guide shows how Shinrin-Yoku is both a restorative and preventative practice and can easily be incorporated into participants' daily lives once they return home.


2. BE A SOCIAL EQUALIZER:

All socio-economic groups suffer from the modern world diseases and our nature-based programme should not be reserved to a privileged clientele. Therefore, we will also make it more affordable to less fortunate participants who are identified both in our local community and by our strategic partners. Other individual applications will also be considered.

The association seeks grants and donations for achieving this.


3. BE AN INFLUENCER

Raise awareness in Switzerland and abroad about the physical and psychological benefits of having a deep connection with nature.



THE MOTIVATION





Stress is a major product of modern life and is both cause and consequence of many diseases that compromise the quality of life and generates a huge cost for society. In Switzerland, stress resulting from work alone costs the economy upwards of CHF 10 billion per year. Hospitals, clinics and the pharmaceutical industry have not yet found a solution to the problems it causes.

Ongoing scientific research and decades of traditional wisdom have shown how deeply connecting with nature significantly improves our mental and physical well-being. At SAANENWALD, we will show you how!


SANNENWALD is not a replacement for conventional medicine or therapies, but an accessible complement towards a healthier life.

​



JOIN THE COMMUNITY










We are building a community of like-minded people, who believe that the health benefits of deeply engaging with nature should be available to all.


Would you like to join our mission? Then visit our JOIN section to discover various possibilities how to participate or get involved.





WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH



WHY NATURE MAKES US HAPPIER.



© Friends of Saanenwald 2023



PRESS KIT​