Understanding Stakeholder’s Perceptions on Practice of Nature-Based Sports in a Portuguese Natural Park

Abstract

Nature recreation and tourism in protected areas (PA) can play an important role in the development of local communities and in regional or national economies. This effect depends on sound management and, facing limited resources, collaboration between different interested parties. This study was developed in a Portuguese Natural Park and focuses on the Nature Based Sport activities developed within the scope of recreation and tourism. Perceptions and opinions of five stakeholders were taken into account, as baseline information on the components of the PA management. A qualitative approach based on semi structured interviews has been used. Results allowed improving the understanding on some existing problems in the studied PA as well as to define important actions and changes to be taken into account in short to medium term.