Page 19 - A bird’s-eye view of recreation - Rogier Pouwels

Skylarks in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, the Netherlands, is combined 1 with scientific knowledge about the effect of hiking on the density and reproduction
success of this species. Where no dose–impact data on the population level are
available, these individual-based tools are able to help managers combine their site-
specific information and local knowledge to assess the impacts of different disturbance scenarios on conservation targets and recreation values.
In Chapter 4 I consider cross-scale relations. I provide a new procedure for assessing the impact of outdoor recreation on the conservation targets of protected bird species in the Veluwe, the Netherlands. I link processes within conservation units on the scale at which visitor patterns are managed to those on the regional scale that are relevant to bird species population dynamics. I use available bird monitoring data to derive dose–impact relations and determine the species for which outdoor recreation can be combined with the conservation targets for the Veluwe. The procedure provides output maps that connect the implications of local management to regional population targets. Local managers can use these maps in collaborative decision-making on where to take action and in discussions about each party's responsibilities for the conservation of a bird species at the regional scale.
In Chapter 5 I show how scientific tools that facilitate boundary-crossing between outdoor recreation stakeholders and nature conservation stakeholders helps to mediate between potential conflicts. This work is based on experiences from a research project in the New Forest, UK. It shows the value of transparency and clear information on how the interactions between recreation and bird species are incorporated into the scientific model, the value of incorporating local knowledge and site-specific data into the model, and the value of the spatially explicit model output. Stakeholders can become more effectively engaged in the decision-making process when spatial outputs show the locations of conflict areas and places where there are opportunities for solutions.
In Chapter 6 I reflect on how improvements can be made in the legitimacy and salience of scientific knowledge and tools and how this contributes to finding a balance between outdoor recreation and bird conservation. I explore how this will help to open up the debate between stakeholders and site managers, while taking into account the various perspectives on credibility, salience and legitimacy, and the trade-offs between these three attributes. Based on these reflections, I suggest directions for future research.
General introduction
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