Opportunity for inclusivity in recreation planning for Protected Areas

Many socio-demographic groups are underrepresented among visitors to Protected Areas. Many socio-demographic groups, such as those with disabilities and minority ethnic communities, are underrepresented among visitors to Protected Areas due to institutional barriers, a new study found. Protected Areas (PA) provide many benefits to visitors, including mental and physical health and environmental knowledge. However, some of these benefits are not widely integrated into overarching management structures. In particular, social benefits are often overlooked. The study by Rachael Edwards and her supervisor, professor Brendon Larson, both from the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Environment, explored the links between management approaches and access disparities in the United Kingdom by examining governing documents for the United Kingdom PAs and surveying PA managers. The finding shows that the institutional factors contributing to green space access barriers remain underexplored.