Orokonui Ecosanctuary director and Emeritus Professor of Marketing Brendan Gray says, in a virus-assailed world, a walk in the woods is good for you.
Numerous studies have shown that a stroll through nature improves physical and mental wellbeing. A walk in an ecosanctuary like Orokonui has additional benefits, as you are experiencing something that is rare as well as beautiful. You are learning what a forest was like before humans arrived in Aotearoa.
But what does the future hold for people wanting to immerse themselves in nature by visiting wildlife reserves when the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted?
First, it is worth looking at what is happening during the lockdown. Live cams at places like the Vancouver and Monterey Bay aquariums and, closer to home, the albatross cam at Taiaroa Head are experiencing surges in viewership. Interestingly, the albatross cam also features on the front page of Cornell University’s “all about birds” website, which means consumer interest is international.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary’s Conservation Manager, Elton Smith, is making videos that can be viewed via Facebook and YouTube. These show him caring for endangered animals like Haast tokoeka kiwi, takahē and a one-footed kākāpō.
Orokonui educators Tahu Mackenzie and Taylor Davies-Colley are keeping students involved via online video lessons. These sorts of initiatives help keep people linked to their favourite nature reserves at a time when they cannot visit them in person.
In the future, virtually reality (VR) will allow people to feel even closer to nature. However, although live cams, video posts and VR may help keep you interested and involved when you cannot experience the real thing, the physical and mental benefits from virtual visits are unlikely to be as great as those derived from being there in person.
When Covid-19 restrictions are lifted there will be renewed opportunities for people to have higher quality natural experiences, whether these be in public parks and gardens, private and public forests, national parks, shorelines, wetlands or ecosanctuaries. But there are likely to be changes in how people behave.
The heightened awareness of the importance of personal distance and personal hygiene, which are critically important when trying to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19, could make many people apprehensive about visiting natural attractions in large groups. They may not wish to be in close proximity with people they do not know, like or trust.
Because nature lovers are becoming used to visiting places remotely during the lockdown period, many may expect these initiatives to continue after travel and movement restrictions are lifted. There is likely to be increasing demand for virtual experiences that complement and enhance live experiences. It is nice to be reminded of the songs of birds, the textures of plants, the scents of flowers, and the puffs of wind caressing your face.
One danger, though, is that life will become faster paced again once the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Yet, there are real benefits in taking things slowly. Advocates of the Japanese therapy of shinrin-yoku - or forest bathing - claim it has the power to counter illnesses, reduce stress, relieve anxiety and depression, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and improve sleep.
Forest bathing does not mean getting wet. Rather, it involves a more contemplative and reflective form of immersion that opens the senses to forest experiences. It encourages people to take time out, slow down and connect with nature.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary normally offers forest bathing experiences in the warmer months, along with dusk tours in autumn and spring, and unguided walks, guided tours and education programs throughout the year.
Unfortunately, the ecosanctuary is closed during the lockdown so all these “real” experiences are on hold. However, wildlife management and conservation education can still be experienced virtually via Facebook posts such as https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=202091934541584 and https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=233567794694123.
In the meantime, continue to enjoy natural experiences, even if these are limited to your own garden or neighbourhood. And continue to care for each other as well as nature. Kia kaha.
Brendan Gray is an Emeritus Professor of Marketing at the University of Otago and a Director of Orokonui Ecosanctuary Ltd.
