Bussaco forest named first therapeutic forest in Iberia

The Mata Nacional do Bussaco has been certified by the International Society of Forest Therapy as the first therapeutic forest in the Iberian Peninsula. The 105-hectare site, a National Monument, holds one of Europe's finest tree collections, with around 250 species and habitat for over 150 vertebrate species. The certification followed an audit assessing air quality, vegetation density, acoustics and accessibility. Foundation president Gonçalo Breda Marques said it is the only such recognised forest in westernmost Europe, alongside four in Germany and one in Austria, and warned of the need to prevent overcrowding and preserve its untouched character.