O Desporto De Natureza E O Desenvolvimento Sustentável: Perspectivas De Desenvolvimento E Governança

Abstract

Resumo: A prática de desportos de natureza é um fenómeno em crescimento. Por sua vez, o conceito de sustentabilidade, explorado na investigação em turismo, merece aprofundamento no que diz respeito ao papel do desporto de natureza no aumento da consciência ambiental, na educação e na economia. Este ensaio, cuja metodologia assenta numa revisão de literatura, foi desenvolvido com o intuito de melhor esclarecer este contributo e, face a uma reflexão crítica ao conceito de sustentabilidade, apresentar uma abordagem que contribua para a sua efetividade. A análise permitiu compreender o impacto económico destas atividades, assim como as necessidades de maior investimento em projetos educacionais através do desporto. Para a sua efetividade apresenta-se uma proposta de um processo de governança, que se inicia a partir das necessidades da sociedade civil e posteriormente dos restantes stakeholders e que deverá condicionar as decisões assumidas nos patamares superiores da cadeia governativa. Abstract:The practice of nature-based sports is a growing phenomenon. In turn, the concept of sustainability, explored in tourism research, deserves greater attention regarding the role of nature-based sports as a way of increasing environmental awareness in education and the economy. This essay, whose methodology is based on a literature review, was developed in order to better clarify this contribution and, given a critical reflection on the concept of sustainability, to present an approach that contributes to its effectiveness. The analysis allowed us to understand the economic impact of these activities as well as the need for more investment in sports-based educational projects. It proposes a governance process that starts from civil society's needs and then looks into those of other stakeholders. The process should condition decisions taken at higher levels of the governance chain.Resumen: La práctica de deportes de naturaleza es un fenómeno creciente. A su vez, el concepto de sustentabilidad, explorado en la investigación en turismo, merece que se profundice en lo referente al papel que juega el deporte de naturaleza en el aumento de la conciencia ambiental, en la educación y en la economía. Este ensayo, cuya metodología se basa en una revisión de la literatura, se desarrolló con el fin de aclarar esta contribución y realizar una reflexión crítica al concepto de sustentabilidad, presentando un enfoque que contribuya a su eficacia. El análisis permitió comprender el impacto económico de estas actividades, así como la necesidad de mayores inversiones en proyectos educacionales a través del deporte. Se presenta, para lograr eficacia, la propuesta de un proceso de gobernanza, que se inicia a partir de las necesidades de la sociedad civil y, posteriormente, de las otras partes interesadas y que debe condicionar las decisiones tomadas en los niveles superiores de la cadena de gobierno.

Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society. A Systematic Literature Review and Reflections on Evidence

“…As per physical activity in general, outdoor sports are associated with a range of positive health benefits. This includes general health related factors [5,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33] such as increased fitness and better cardiovascular function, as well as reduced blood pressure, obesity, resting heart rate, and a positive influence on other health markers. Those health-enhancing effects result in a reduced risk for several major diseases [12,28,32,34,35,36,37] like heart attack [35], 13 types of cancer [34], stroke, and type 2 diabetes [32].…”

“…This shows a high research interest in dealing with mental disorders and also the various opportunities that outdoor sports can provide to help to prevent and cure mental health problems (see Table 5). Several research teams highlight the positive effects on general mental health and psychological stability of being active in the natural environment [5,11,17,18,20,25,31,33,53,54,55,56,57,58]. Evidence was also provided of impacts on overall wellbeing, quality of life, happiness, and life satisfaction [5,14,15,20,31,33,45,46,48,53,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66].…”

“…Connecting people with nature and the resultant improved understanding of the relationship to the environment and our dependency on it are further key facets of outdoor sports. Overall 18 studies highlighted positive effects on environmental awareness, attitudes, and behavior [5,18,20,25,31,95,99,100,101,115,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,130], however a direct causality of better environmental behavior is rarely evidenced [123]. Described environmental aspects included an increased connectedness to nature, awareness, sensitivity, and empathy as well as positive effects on environmentally responsible behavior and stewardship.…”

“…Besides the positive effect of connecting people with nature, there are some potential negative impacts of damage to the environment or disturbance of wildlife in sensitive natural areas [20], due to the locations for many sport activities.…”

“…Only 11 studies focused on the benefits for crime reduction [5,20,31,85] and prosocial behavior [60,88,95,106,119,121,131] and the evidence-base is primarily qualitative and anecdotal reports from the field (see Table 8). However, the studies found give valuable insights as to how outdoor sports can be used to increase prosocial behavior [119], reduce smoking, alcohol and substance misuse [31], or prevent youth delinquency [20]. Experiences of controlled risk are furthermore discussed as a mechanism to help to improve the behavior and habits of adults with drug addiction or other social exclusion factors [85].…”