With the rapid disappearance of forest for urban development, human interaction with nature has been greatly compromised. Apart from the role of nature in shaping the ecology of banded leaf monkeys, human contact with nature also suggest a wealth of psychological and physiological benefits.

The positive relationship between nature and health can be further explained by:

Improvement of air quality

Trees and other natural green elements are of continued importance to the environment; they help to filter fine particle pollution from the air. Studies have concluded by just improving the air quality of less than one percent, 850 human lives can be saved annually and 670,000 incidences of acute respiratory symptoms can be prevented. On a larger scale, trees help to absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere to mitigate the effects of global warming caused by the greenhouse effect.

.                                                                        .    Stimulation of physical activity

People usually appreciate the presence of green spaces for recreational activities. Spending time in the natural environment have shown to increase people’s ability to think creatively and improve concentration skills. When children grow up interacting with nature, they are more likely to develop conservation ethic and participate in outdoor recreation later in adulthood.

Facilitation of social cohesion

Green spaces encourages people to get together and experience a full range of encounters with nature – excursions, hiking in the forest, or strolling in the park. Involvement in various outdoor activities in the natural environment have found to increase social engagement and positive relationship with other residents in the community.

.                                                                 Restoration from stress and mental fatigue

Contact with nature can provide restoration from stress and mental fatigue in adults. The existence of natural features such as trees and shrubs encourage not only restoration, but reflection and enhanced self-knowledge. Unlike the fast-paced urban environments, low level of stimulation in the natural environment may give people the time and space to think about themselves and spur personal reflection. Similarly, exposure to natural environments may contribute to well-being and prevention of disease and illness such as asthma and depression.