Abstract

Historically, visitors’ motives for visiting protected areas included ‘rest, relaxation
and reinvigoration’. Ecological impacts were typically low. Recent trends have
increased use of protected areas for extreme sports, with greater numbers
undertaking more active recreation, such as extreme sports. The effect of this
trend is considered, together with potential management options. We propose
that the development of appropriately targeted and delivered educational
programmes could minimise environmental degradation. However, to maximise
ecological conservation in protected lands we consider that a major paradigm
shift is required. This will require a more strategic, holistic approach to planning
and managing outdoor recreation/sport destinations incorporating collaboration
across stakeholders. Based on past experience, to continue with the current model
will ultimately accelerate biodiversity loss, degradation of protected areas, and
loss of recreational amenity.