Page 164 - A bird’s-eye view of recreation - Rogier Pouwels

A bird's-eye view of recreation
conservation targets as it can give indications of which objectives might be feasible in an area. During the phases of identifying potential management measures and estimating the impact of these measures on population targets, information is needed that links the features managers can control to visitor densities and population targets. Managers and stakeholders can use this information to choose between different options. Maps or other spatially explicit information sources are especially helpful to managers and stakeholders in this phase as they show for each local situation where measures might result in an increase in population size.
The research in the New Forest also shows that the perception of credibility, salience and legitimacy evolved during the decision-making process. These changes originated from the process itself as well as from external developments and could affect the credibility, salience and legitimacy of knowledge and tools used in the process. If the process itself leads to empowerment, equity, mutual learning and trust between stakeholders and managers, the values and attitudes of managers and stakeholders may change, in turn changing the perception of the credibility, salience and legitimacy of the knowledge and tools used in the process. Also, new knowledge may be generated or new policies may be developed, leading to changes in the credibility or legitimacy of the knowledge and tools used. The ability to respond flexibly to or adapt to these changes should be added as an extra attribute of scientific knowledge and tools in addition to credibility, salience and legitimacy.
I propose three main directions for future research to offer further support to managers and stakeholders in finding the balance between outdoor recreation and bird conservation in nature areas:
1. Research on the dose–impact relationships between outdoor recreation and bird conservation. For many species there are knowledge gaps regarding the impact of outdoor recreation on population densities and population size. Information on these dose–impact relationships is urgently needed for species that are in decline and sensitive to visitor disturbance.
2. Research on alternative solutions to potential conflicts between outdoor recreation and bird conservation. In nature areas where potential conflicts between outdoor recreation and bird conservation occur, one
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