HEPA EUROPE 2026: Green Pathways to Health: Integrating Green Spaces and 24-Hour Movement Behaviours for Combating NCDs. Book of abstracts

2026 HEPA Conference will focus on the synergy between green spaces and the paradigm of 24-hour movement behaviour to enhance public health and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders etc.. Green spaces offer accessible environments that encourage physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, and promote overall well-being by fostering a stronger connection with nature. Their restorative qualities, such as stress reduction and mental relaxation, further contribute to healthier sleep patterns, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep as vital components of health and well-being within a 24-hour cycle.

The conference will emphasise the role of green spaces in promoting physical and mental health, reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and improving air quality. It will highlight the importance of including green spaces in urban planning to support sustainable health initiatives and encourage active lifestyles through equal accessibility and costless opportunities for HEPA. By combining HEPA strategies with the principles of 24-hour movement behaviours, the conference will advocate for innovative, holistic policies and practices aimed at fostering healthier communities and effectively combating NCDs.