Trek n’ heal: A potential eco-sport tourism activity in Gunung Walat University Forest to reduce the stress for Gen-Z

Abstract

Mental health issues are still under-reported in most low and middle-income countries, including in Indonesia. WHO states that mental health disorders as one of the causes of suicide of which the latter forms the fourth biggest cause of death of people aged 15-29 years or the so called Generation Z. Mental wellbeing of youth is crucial as they will carry on as future leaders of a nation. Healthy environment will create healthy wellbeing. One of the prevention strategies for mental health disorders is nature recreation. This research has the objective to identify potential recreational activities that can be carried out at Gunung Walat University Forest. The methods used in this research are observation; online interviews with 30 respondents stratified into three categories of 10 respondents: senior high school students, undergraduate students, and people who have graduated from university and have job; and literature review. This research found that activities especially trekking and orienteering were potential sports for reducing stress and other mental health issues according to the respondents.