Ocena wpływu inwestycji na zdrowie w świetle badań nad terapeutycznymi właściwościami krajobrazu

This paper discusses the health impact of investment projects as measured by a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) with reference to research that has shown that the landscape has a therapeutic effect on human health. The Health Impact Assessment (HIA), which complements the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) used in the European Union, is a tool which can be used to protect against the potentially harmful side effects of development projects. Many projects, for example construction of a new highway that cuts residential buildings off from access to a park, could have a negative impact on the health of local residents. This paper demonstrates that, in addition to other more obvious risks, loss of local landscape value can trigger adverse health consequences. Unfortunately, the current EIA does not require an assessment of the negative effects on human health caused by the loss of therapeutic features of the local environment. Based on research showing the benefits of greenways for alleviating stress and promoting an active lifestyle, the HIA is recommended for evaluating investment projects and proposing appropriate compensation for the loss of the therapeutic value of the landscape. An example of a compensatory action would be to build a public park.