NS34 Session 13

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Title: Outdoor recreation and tourism in a changing world: Challenges of the Anthropocene 

Organisers: Kate Dashper, Tobias Heldt, Gabriella Torell Palmquist, Peter Carlman, and Jason King

Affiliation: Leeds Beckett University, Dalarna University, Karlstad University

Description

The Anthropocene is a term used to refer to the current time period where humans have become the single most influential species on the planet, causing significant changes to land, water, environment, other species and the atmosphere. Outdoor recreation and tourism, including activities ranging from walking, hiking and climbing, to paddling, cycling and horse riding amongst others, occur within, through and as part of the natural environment which is shifting in the Anthropocene. This session invites papers that explore some of the intersections between outdoor recreation and tourism and the natural environment. Contributions may reflect on how ecological transitions and climate change, as well as the social, economic, cultural and political impacts that accompany these changes, are impacting and are impacted by outdoor recreation and tourism practices. How does this affect tourists’ sense of belonging to the places and spaces in which outdoor recreation occurs? Does this impact participants’ connection to nature and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours? How does this affect the funding of recreational infrastructure? What are possible consequences for governance and management of outdoor recreational areas? What does a changing natural world mean for the sustainability and future of outdoor recreation and tourism?