cohesion increases and crime decreases, according to a new british scientific research. The study shows that the existence of many green spaces, but also animals, it makes for good social health.
Previous investigations have highlighted the importance of greenery and nature in general, for mental and physical health of a human being. Stress and the body pains are reduced, and even the sick recover more quickly. The new study comes to indicate that the contact with nature is generally a factor that helps in the harmony and safety of the local communities.
The researchers, led by psychologist Neta Γουαϊνστάιν of the University of Cardiff in Wales, who made the relevant publication in the journal “Bioscience” of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, studied more than 2,000 people and concluded that contact with nature affects 8% to the social cohesion of a community or neighbourhood – a far from negligible proportion.
In accordance with the findings of the study, other factors, such as income, educational level and age of residents, affect less -no more than 3%- the level of social cohesion in an area.
On the other hand, it is estimated that close contact with nature reduces crime at a rate of 4%. The more green spaces (parks etc.) there are in an area, the less crime. In comparison, the socio-economic factors (poverty) increase the crime rate by 5%.
So, in essence, the positive effect of nature almost compensates for the negative effect of poverty, in terms of at least social cohesion. The conclusion, by the researchers, is simple: The increase of green spaces, particularly in disadvantaged areas, mitigate the adverse effects of a socio-economic crisis.
The positive effect of nature applies to both the rich and the poor in an area. Scientists are not sure why there is such a thing, but assume that the nature creates subconsciously in people a sense of greater relationship and connection with the world around them, so and with their neighbors, regardless of income. An additional explanation is that the longer green has an area, the more often they come out people from their homes, which necessarily brings them into contact with others.
The researchers point out that, unfortunately, the contact with nature is lost more and more because of urbanisation and the trend for recreational and sports activities indoors. About 70% of Europeans and 50% of the Earth’s inhabitants now live in urban centres (often with a minimum of green) and the trend is upward.
The nature, reduces the crime! All in the forests
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