Elementary School Teachers' Awareness of Forest Welfare Services and Promotion of Strategies for School-based Health Promotion Programs Using the Forest

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the perceptions toward school forest programs related to forest welfare services in elementary schools and suggest strategies to activate new programs. Methods: A mixed method research was performed. Four teachers and one forest therapist participated in a focus group interview; 162 teachers answered a survey. Results: The teachers were aware of the effects of the forest program, but there were some barriers, including the question of whether there was an accessible forest, school forest management problems, the risk of teachers’ work overload, and the lack of program diversification for elementary students. Solutions included the expansion of school forests and forest facilities available to students, development of a variety of programs, provision of appropriate information on available facilities, and cooperation with educational institutions for institutionalization and increased effectiveness of school-based forest utilization programs. In addition, a scientific basis for data accumulation is needed. Conclusion: The Ministry of Forestry is cooperating with the Ministry of Education and local education offices to activate a forest-use health promotion program for elementary school students. Additionally, to utilize the forests in regular education courses, teachers should strive to spread positive awareness of forests.