UWTSD Outdoor Education Academic Opens 1st Ibero-American Conference on Nature-Based Therapeutic Interventions
Mache Treviño, Programme Manager for the MA in Outdoor Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), was invited to deliver the opening keynote at the First Ibero-American Conference on Nature-Based Therapeutic Interventions recently in Valencia, Spain. Her extensive contribution to Outdoor and Adventure Education, alongside her commitment to nature-based and experiential approaches in community and learning contexts, earned her this recognition.
The conference, organised by Terapia Aventura at the Universidad Católica de Valencia, brought together professionals from a wide range of fields, including social work, outdoor practice, occupational therapy, education, and psychology, to explore the growing discipline of nature-based therapeutic practice.
Mache’s keynote, titled “Redrawing the Map: Following the Course,” offered a critical and experiential reflection on the intersections between nature-based therapeutic approaches and experiential education, while addressing challenges within current mental health models. Using the metaphor of waterways, participants were guided through concepts and practices where care, well-being, and nature converge, setting the tone for a weekend of shared learning and co-creation.
Following her presentation, practitioners from across the region shared examples of good practice and diverse models of therapeutic intervention. The conference provided valuable opportunities for networking and for exploring the future of outdoor health provision, encouraging participants to reflect on how these approaches can inform their programs.
Alexander Rose, leader of the convening team, said:
“Mache’s keynote was inspiring, providing us with a framing to situate the different theories and approaches that inform nature-based therapeutic interventions, the benefits, and all the literature and research around it from around the world. She navigated with us through the river of possibilities for nature-based and adventure therapies.”
Max Prieto, a nature-based therapist who also presented the innovative programme on therapeutic support within El Camino de Santiago, reflected on the opening keynote:
“Mache shared a vision of how many interdisciplinary elements are combining, looking beyond specific methodologies, and the power of sharing and learning from the many ways of doing in nature-based therapeutic interventions.”
The weekend concluded with a full day of practical workshops in La Vallesa Forest, led by experienced practitioners. Sessions explored themes such as building therapeutic relationships with young people through challenge, using nature to support grief, and walking as a form of community action for holistic health. For Mache, participating in this event was deeply meaningful:
“The opportunity to present at this first Conference was a moving and enriching experience, where many professionals gathered to explore and reflect on how to continue expanding the possibilities of nurturing healthier communities and relationships among ourselves and the more-than-human. I am honoured to learn from this collective effort to transform how we envision health and promote well-being.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476