ISMT is present at the certification of the Bussaco National Forest as the first Iberian Therapeutic Forest and is moving forward with a strategic partnership.

ISMT is present at the certification of the Bussaco National Forest as the first Iberian Therapeutic Forest and is moving forward with a strategic partnership.

ISMT is present at the certification of the Bussaco National Forest as the first Iberian Therapeutic Forest and is moving forward with a strategic partnership.

2026-07-17

The Instituto Superior Miguel Torga is developing a partnership with the Bussaco Forest Foundation focused on scientific research and intervention in the field of mental health within natural contexts.

On 17 July 2026, the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga (ISMT) attended the certification session of the Bussaco National Forest, in Mealhada, as the first Therapeutic Forest in the Iberian Peninsula. The institution was represented by Manuel Castelo Branco, President of the Board of Directors; Laura Lemos, Coordinator of the Psychology Degree; and Isa Magalhães, Secretary of the Board of Directors. This recognition places the Bussaco National Forest in a restricted group of only four certified forests worldwide for the promotion of health and well-being.

The ceremony, which included the unveiling of the Therapeutic Forest Trail identification plaque, featured the delivery of the certificate — valid until 17 July 2031 — by Stefanie Frech, coordinator of the International Certification Office for Therapeutic Forests. The session reinforced the positioning of this natural space as a destination for health, well-being, nature tourism, and scientific research.

In conjunction with this step, ISMT held a preparatory meeting on 13 July at its headquarters for a future strategic partnership with the Bussaco Forest Foundation. The aim of this collaboration is to unite ISMT's scientific knowledge with the forest's heritage, creating conditions for the development of projects in the areas of family intervention and neuropsychology. This initiative will allow the development of applied research lines and open new fieldwork opportunities for the student community, teaching staff, and researchers at the Institute.