The World Championship of Tree Hugging (or sylvotherapy), an event as unusual as it is eco-conscious, took place on 24 August in Finland, in the Levi region of Lapland. Although unconventional, this championship attracts participants from the four corners of the globe every year, all united by a deep love of nature and a desire to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving forests.

The World Tree Hugging Championships: history and origins of the event

The idea of creating a championship centred on tree hugging might seem surprising at first glance. However, this event, the TreeHugging World Championships 2024, has its roots in an ancient Nordic tradition, where forests have always played a central role in culture and lifestyle. Local people have long regarded trees as living beings endowed with spiritual energy, and hugging them was a way of connecting with nature, feeling the quiet strength of the trees, and recharging their batteries.

The first official championship was held in 2016, initiated by a group of Finnish environmentalists seeking to promote forest conservation and remind people of the importance of biodiversity. Since then, the event has grown in popularity, attracting not only nature lovers but also curious onlookers keen to discover an activity that is both fun and meaningful.

The place: Levi, Lapland

Levi, in Lapland, is one of Finland’s most emblematic locations, known for its snow-covered landscapes in winter and dense green forests in summer. It is in this region, more specifically in the HaliPuu forest , with its unspoilt nature and rich cultural traditions, that the championship finds its perfect setting. Lapland, with its vast expanse of predominantly boreal forest, is a powerful symbol of the relationship that Finns have with their natural environment.

The choice of Levi as the host venue is not an insignificant one. Not only is the region a major tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts, it is also at the heart of ecological initiatives aimed at preserving the Nordic forests. By organising this event in such a setting, the organisers hope to raise public awareness of the need to protect these unique ecosystems, which are currently under threat from climate change and logging.

How the World Tree Hugging Championship works

The Tree Hugging World Championships 2024 consists of several separate events, each designed to assess different aspects of the relationship between participants and trees. The first event is duration, where competitors must maintain an embrace with the tree for as long as possible, while remaining focused and in harmony with the tree, requiring not only physical endurance but also a deep emotional connection.

Another key test is creativity, where participants are encouraged to decorate the tree with natural elements or adopt original postures before hugging it. This event focuses on ingenuity and aesthetics, with particular attention paid to integrating natural elements into the tree’s environment.

A third, and often very popular, event is Passion, where participants are judged on the intensity and authenticity of their embrace, expressing their love for nature through gentle, respectful gestures.

Finally, the silent communion test requires competitors to spend time in meditation or contemplation with the tree, without touching it, to demonstrate their ability to enter into a symbiosis with nature through presence and energy alone. The jury, made up of experts in forestry and the environment, assesses the performances on the basis of technique, emotional expression and respect for the tree and its environment.

The recent edition of the 2024 championship crowned several winners in each category:

  1. Dedicated Hugging:
  2. Winner: Sari Hirvonen (Finland)
    • Performance: Sari Hirvonen won this event with an intense and prolonged hug with a tree, demonstrating a deep emotional connection. Her dedication and ability to remain still while communicating a calming energy impressed the judges, earning her the title of world champion in this category.
  3. Speed Hugging:
  4. Winner: Juuso Vanhala (Finland)
    • Performance: Juuso Vanhala distinguished himself in this event by hugging the greatest number of trees in the time allowed. Using a fast but respectful technique, he managed to hug each tree for at least five seconds, earning him victory in this category.
  5. Creativity event (Freestyle):
    • Winner: Reetta Kinnunen (Finland)
    • Performance: Reetta Kinnunen shone in the Freestyle event with a creative performance that combined dance moves and artistic elements around the tree. She captivated the audience and the judges with her poetic approach, making her performance a true celebration of nature and art.
World Tree Hugging Championship. @Hali Puu

Beyond the competitive aspect, the World Tree Hugging Championship carries a strong message in favour of ecology. It is a reminder that trees, as well as playing an essential role in maintaining ecosystems, are invaluable allies in the fight against climate change. By encouraging positive and respectful interaction with nature, the event aims to raise the ecological awareness of participants and the general public.

The event also has a significant economic and social impact on the Levi region. By attracting visitors from all over the world, it contributes to the development of sustainable tourism, while highlighting environmentally-friendly practices. Organisers work closely with local communities to ensure that the event leaves a minimal, if not positive, ecological footprint.