«Forest for All»: A Day of Awareness, Education & Forest Therapy in the Western Macedonia Model Forest

On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, Western Macedonia Model Forest organized the event «Forest for All: An Excursion of Awareness, Information & Forest Therapy», in collaboration with the Municipality of Velventos and with the support of the International and Mediterranean Model Forest Network.

Hosted in the beautiful natural setting of Skepasmeno, the event welcomed participants from all backgrounds, offering them the chance to explore the importance of Model Forests and to engage with key messages around environmental awareness and forest conservation.

A milestone of the day was the first-ever use of the Joëlette wheelchair in Greece – the specially designed single-wheeled mobility chair that enabled people with disabilities to actively join the forest hike. One of the tools provided by the MMFN through the EDU-CASE project. Equal access to nature was a central value of this initiative, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility in outdoor experiences.

Throughout the excursion, participants also had the chance to discover the rich history and mythology of the area, learn about the region’s natural biodiversity, and immerse themselves in a guided forest therapy and forest bathing experience — activities that promote mental wellness and a deeper connection with nature.

This action marks an important step in the mission to highlight the natural wealth of our region, promote environmental education, and demonstrate the role of Model Forests as living laboratories for sustainable development.