The 8th Congress of the International Society of Forest Therapy (ISFT), hosted at IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, is a key international forum bringing together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from across disciplines. These include life sciences, medicine, public health, forestry, tourism, and environmental research, as well as professionals working in forest therapy and nature-based health approaches.

The congress holds particular significance as Krems is the place where the ISFT was originally founded—making this event, in many ways, a return to its roots.

The congress aims to advance the scientific understanding of how forest ecosystems contribute to human health and well-being, with a particular focus on the role of bioactive compounds, biodiversity, and environmental interactions. At the same time, it addresses the translation of this growing body of evidence into clinical practice, innovative therapeutic approaches, and real-world applications in healthcare and prevention.

A central feature of the congress is its interdisciplinary perspective, reflected in dedicated tracks on clinical implementation, forest-based tourism and wellness, innovation and technology in forest therapy, and the integration of science, practice, and policy. The congress thus provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across sectors.
In addition to presenting current research findings, the congress highlights practical case studies and emerging models that demonstrate how forest-based approaches can be implemented sustainably in public health systems, tourism development, and environmental stewardship.