Green Care and Planetary Wellbeing
Imagine a world where nature and human wellbeing go hand in hand. The Green Care and Planetary Wellbeing research group are the visionaries making this a reality. Our research group not only research but also develops ways in which the healing power of nature can enhance our overall wellbeing.
We combine expertise and passion to find innovative solutions that support both our planet and human health. Our activities focus particularly on the development of competence and education in the social and health care sectors.
Our Core Expertise
- Promotion, development and research cooperation for planetary wellbeing: including sustainable wellbeing, the wellbeing effects of nature, nature-based methods and technology in increasing the accessibility of nature
- Working life cooperation, development of social and health care sector’s competence and education
- Project management of development work
Research and Study Infrastructure
Health Forests increase awareness and interest in the health effects of forest nature. In Kajaani, the Health Forest is located next to Kainuu Central Hospital, and it doesn’t only support the wellbeing of people, but also offers a suitable learning environment as well, for example to day-care centers and schools.
An accessible nature recreation area will also be built also in Syntiniemi, Sotkamo, in 2025.
Our own goal at KAMK is that our university of applied sciences will be carbon neutral by 2030.
Cases and References
Universities of applied sciences have developed a nationally coherent study module Green Care Pro (20 ECTS), which is up to date, of high quality and relevant to the needs of working life. The content and teaching methods are the same in all participating universities of applied sciences.
The study modules were organized as open Bachelor’s degree studies at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences in 2018-2024.
For Students
For students we offer a possibility to increase skills and knowledge by completing the Green Care Pro study module (20 ECTS, open university degree).
From 2026 onwards, it will also be possible to study the Planetary Wellbeing study module in the scope of your choice (2-5 ECTS).
Learn more about Green Care Pro -studies in Finnish:
Related Education
Green Care Pro study module (20 ECTS) includes the following courses:
- Basics of Green Care 5 ECTS,
- Clients and Environments in Green Care 5 ECTS,
- Green Care methods and practices 5 ECTS and
- Green Care services 5 ECTS.
The study module is implemented in accordance with common criteria in the Green Care Pro education network, which includes Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and Centria.
Those who complete the module receive a certificate of Expert in the Wellbeing Effects of Nature.