Why the Codrii?

The study found that soundscapes of local forests have a stronger positive effect on the human psyche than the sounds of “exotic” natural environments. This means that for people living in Moldova, native forests—such as the Codrii—may be the most restorative.

Key findings:

• Sounds of local forests improve mental well-being more than sounds of unfamiliar ecosystems
• The greater the diversity of animals, the stronger the feeling of harmony and even awe
• Perceiving rich wildlife is directly linked to improved mood
• However, “chaotic” acoustic diversity (without understanding its meaning) can, on the contrary, create tension

In other words, it’s not just the number of sounds that matters, but their naturalness, familiarity, and connection to living nature.

Biodiversity is the key to inner calm

Humans are evolutionarily connected to their natural environment. The sounds of birds, insects, and rustling leaves create a sense of safety and belonging. That is why forests rich in biodiversity can:

• reduce stress levels
• improve concentration
• restore emotional balance

The Codrii are one of the few regions in Moldova where relatively high species diversity is still preserved. This makes them not only ecologically valuable but also psychologically important for people.

Acacia plantations are good for firewood, but do they improve mental health?

It is important to address a separate issue relevant to the Republic of Moldova: the large-scale planting of acacia trees.

Although acacia is often used for rapid greening efforts, it is important to understand that monocultures are not real forests.

Such plantations:

• have low biodiversity

• create poor soundscapes

• do not form a complete ecosystem

• may cause a feeling of monotony in people

The study indirectly confirms this: when the sound environment is not perceived as “alive” and rich, it does not provide psychological comfort.

Implications for reforestation

If Moldova wants not just to “plant trees,” but truly restore nature and improve people’s quality of life, it is necessary to:

• create mixed forests rather than monocultures
• consider the diversity of plant and animal species
• build resilient ecosystems
• preserve local natural communities

Biodiversity is not a luxury—it is the foundation of both environmental and human health.

How the study was conducted

The experiment involved 195 students from Germany. They were asked to listen to recordings of forest soundscapes:

• with low and high levels of animal sounds
• from local (temperate) and non-local (tropical) forests

Researchers analyzed:

• emotional responses
• stress and well-being levels
• sense of “place attachment”
• perception of sound diversity

Main scientific conclusions:

• Forests richer in animal sounds triggered stronger positive emotions
• Local forests were perceived as more pleasant and restorative
• Perceived biodiversity was more important than its objective level
• Overly complex but “unfamiliar” sound environments reduced comfort

Researchers emphasize that it is not enough to increase diversity—it must be ecologically meaningful and perceptible to humans.

In conclusion, the Codrii are not just a green area on the map. They are a place where nature can truly heal—through sound, atmosphere, and biodiversity.

And perhaps the best отдых for Moldovans is not a flight to another country, but a return to their own nature.

🔗 Study link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494426001088