Recreational Ecology: A Review of Research and Gap Analysis

Sumanapala, Daminda; Wolf, Isabelle D.

doi:10.3390/environments6070081

Cited by 33 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 95 publications

(86 reference statements)

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“…In their writings, they are much more likely to cite a recent article, so they appear familiar with current literature, than to cite the researchers who originally developed an idea, concept, or finding. Since much of the early work in recreation ecology was published in the grey literature that is seldom cited, or in ecological rather than tourism or environmental management journals (Sumanapala and Wolf 2019), the legacy of the pioneers of recreation ecology is being lost. My hope is that this article will acquaint readers with such pioneers of recreation ecology as "Doc" Meinecke, Neil Bayfield, and Mike Liddle.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reflections on the early history of recreation ecology

Cole¹

2021

Parks Stewardship Forum

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In most parks and related conservation lands, outdoor recreation is encouraged in order to provide human enjoyment and benefits. However, recreation use always compromises nature conservation goals to some degree, with the magnitude of recreation impact on park environments increasing greatly in recent decades along with increasing population, leisure time, and mobility. Today, we are all too familiar with the ecological impacts of recreation. They range from multiple trails scarring meadows and deeply eroded trails, to large barren campsites compacted to the point where it is a challenge to pound in a tent stake (Figure 1), to bears stealing food, to human waste and toilet paper in piles on the ground. Since at least the 1960s, concerned voices have been asking if we are loving our parks to death.Management of visitors and the impacts they cause has long been among the primary responsibilities PSF NEW PERSPECTIVES of park managers. For much of this time, visitor management has not been informed much by science. Management has had little to rely on other than tradition and common sense. Recently, however, this has changed. The contributions of recreation ecology-the study of the ecological effects of recreation-have become foundational to the scientific management of parks and other conservation lands. Less well known than such parkrelevant scientific fields as wildlife biology and fire ecology, recreation ecology is arguably as important to park management.In this paper I describe the early history of the field and introduce some of its most important contributors. I cover the development of recreation ecology from its infancy to its early maturity as a scientific discipline-the 1920s to about 2000. By that time, several individuals had pursued careers in

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reflections on the early history of recreation ecology

Cole¹

2021

Parks Stewardship Forum

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“…(10) Finally, as recreation ecology investigates the interface between tourists and the environment, research should focus on how to improve visitor experiences so that they marry sustainable resource usage with a sustainable (satisfying) visitor experience. Apart from the studies discussed here (e.g., References [52,54]), such research is largely lacking to date as a research gap analysis in recreational ecology has revealed [25]. For example, research can be directed to answer questions on optimal tour design, such as the best tour group size, the best frequency for repeating the tour at the same location without deterring wildlife, and necessary modifications depending on different tour group compositions (e.g., with clients of different age classes).…”

Section: Future Research Directionsmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Thus, we exclude adventure 'sports', hunting and fishing, and engagement in research. Research on the environmental impacts of nature-based tourism has biases in habitat (the terrestrial environment is over-represented relative to the marine environment [22]) and geography (USA and Australia are well-represented, whereas Africa and Asia are under-represented [23][24][25]). Thus, the research cited in this review reflects some of these biases.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Nature Conservation and Nature-Based Tourism: A Paradox?

2019

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Throughout the world, areas have been reserved for their exceptional environmental values, such as high biodiversity. Financial, political and community support for these protected areas is often dependent on visitation by nature-based tourists. This visitation inevitably creates environmental impacts, such as the construction and maintenance of roads, tracks and trails; trampling of vegetation and erosion of soils; and propagation of disturbance of resilient species, such as weeds. This creates tension between the conservation of environmental values and visitation. This review examines some of the main features of environmental impacts by nature-based tourists through a discussion of observational and manipulative studies. It explores the disturbance context and unravels the management implications of detecting impacts and understanding their causes. Regulation of access to visitor areas is a typical management response, qualified by the mode of access (e.g., vehicular, ambulatory). Managing access and associated impacts are reviewed in relation to roads, tracks and trails; wildlife viewing; and accommodations. Responses to visitor impacts, such as environmental education and sustainable tour experiences are explored. The review concludes with ten recommendations for further research in order to better resolve the tension between nature conservation and nature-based tourism.

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“…Thus, an increase in research in recent decades has improved our knowledge needed for conservation management, but what future research do we need to clarify issues that we still know too little about? Sumanapala and Wolf [6] review 145 articles in four journals relating to environmental management and sustainable tourism. They find Africa and Asia to be underrepresented in the literature, and that aquatic activities such as rafting or diving were studied far less than terrestrial ones such as hiking or wildlife viewing.…”

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%