A significant step towards introducing innovative public health policies in Greece took place during the policy dialogue event “Nature-Based Interventions & Health: From Research to Actionable Policies”, organised by KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre on 11 June 2026 in Piraeus. The event brought together distinguished representatives from academia, local government and the healthcare sector.
The discussion focused on the growing body of scientific evidence supporting nature-based interventions as a cost-effective approach to disease prevention and the promotion of citizens’ mental and physical wellbeing.
Ms Jenny Lazarou, Institutional & Community Engagement Coordinator at KMOP, opened the event by presenting the European Horizon project NATURELAB and its contribution to developing evidence-based nature-based interventions. She highlighted that “science has already demonstrated the benefits of nature; the next crucial step is to ensure their institutional and equitable integration into healthcare systems.”
In her welcome address, Ms Elpiniki Tavianatou, CEO of Elena Venizelou – Alexandra Hospitals, reflected on the current challenges facing public health. She stressed that healthcare systems cannot rely solely on treatment and must invest in prevention before individuals require hospital care.
Dr Vasileios Margaritis, Senior Researcher at KMOP and Professor of Research Methods and Public Health, then presented the first encouraging findings from the NATURELAB pilot programme implemented in the residents of KMOP’s three psychosocial rehabilitation facilities.
The preliminary results revealed stronger social connectedness among participants, significant improvements in mood, and increased feelings of calmness and wellbeing. Dr Margaritis explained that interventions such as structured gardening and horticultural activities, combined with outdoor experiences, can serve as valuable complementary tools for psychosocial rehabilitation in Greece.
Mr Stavros Nikitopoulos, Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity, Health Prevention and Municipal Project Planning of the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi–Kamatero, presented local initiatives that use natural environments to promote health and social cohesion. He noted that expanding urban green spaces, creating accessible public areas, and developing prevention and wellbeing programmes can significantly improve citizens’ quality of life.
Dr Pinar Cakiroglu, Economist at Canary Wharf Consulting (CWC), explored the economic dimension of nature-based interventions. She emphasised that economic evaluation plays a crucial role in informing policy decisions and ensuring the sustainable integration of these interventions into healthcare systems.
Prospects for Integrating Nature-Based Interventions into the Greek Healthcare System
The second part of the event focused on opportunities for integrating nature-based interventions into Greece’s healthcare and social care systems. Participants agreed on the need to strengthen scientific evidence, enhance the training of healthcare professionals, promote cross-sector collaboration, and develop robust evaluation mechanisms that will support the gradual adoption of nature-based interventions within primary healthcare, social services and prevention policies.
Speakers also highlighted the potential of social prescribing, the role of local authorities in ensuring access to high-quality natural spaces, and the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, academic institutions, local authorities and civil society organisations.
The panel discussion featured contributions from Professor Evanthia Sakellari, Professor of Community Health at the University of West Attica, Ms Efstathia Katoikou, Deputy CEO of Elena Venizelou – Alexandra Hospitals, Mr Lambros A. Theodosopoulos, Head of the Public Health Directorate of the 2nd Regional Health Authority of Piraeus and the Aegean; Ms Angeliki Oikonomopoulou, Director of Social Services at the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi–Kamatero; Dr Evangelia Papanikolaou, NATURELAB Ambassador; Ms Kleio Apostolaki, Ecopsychologist and Official Representative of the International Ecopsychology Society; and Mr Stavros Nikitopoulos, Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity, Health Prevention and Municipal Project Planning of the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi–Kamatero.
The event concluded with an open discussion with participants, highlighting the growing interest in innovative, sustainable and people-centred approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. NATURELAB will use the insights generated during the event to develop policy recommendations and practical tools that support the gradual integration of nature-based interventions in Greece.
In parallel, KMOP coordinates the Social Innovation Hub for Nature-Based Therapies, an international network of mental health professionals, researchers, healthcare providers and civil society organisations. The Hub aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration and promote the use of nature-based interventions as a valuable tool for supporting mental health and social care.
You can become a member by registering here.
For further information, please contact KMOP at [email protected] or call +30 210 3637547.