Sammendrag
Background: Communication is a central tool in managing the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental
protection. Several studies have evaluated diferent communication measures in nature area case studies, but
rarely are these measures compared across contexts. We systematically map the literature guided by the question,
what is the evidence base of on-site communication in outdoor recreation to change human behavior towards a
more sustainable direction? Taking vulnerable natural areas as our starting point, we map distribution and abundance
of communication measures, study design and outcome-related themes.
Methods: The target population for our mapping review (hereafter review) are outdoor recreationists and naturebased
tourists who visit natural or near-natural settings. We will examine the studies that have crafted written, oral
and visual intervention measures to change behavior by using persuasion, education and information instead of
legal restrictions or bans. Some examples of challenges addressed with communication measures are proper waste
disposal, using designated trails, minimizing wear and tear at campsites, avoid disturbing wildlife, and encouraging
appropriate and safe behavior. No geographic restrictions will be applied but we will focus on protected areas. We will
search publication databases for peer-reviewed published articles using internet and specialist searches to identify
grey literature in English. We will screen frst by title, followed by abstract and fnally full text. For each article selected
for full-text screening, metadata will be extracted on key variables of interest.
The extracted data from the coding will be used to group and compare the studies to reveal knowledge gaps and
knowledge clusters. We will briefy describe fndings from the included studies. The review will help identify what
type of human behavior researchers have addressed with communication in nature management and conservation.
In addition it will highlight which communication measures are frequently used in each behavioral context. It will
identify which frameworks and communication theories have been the basis for designing intervention measures and
provide support to practitioners and researchers in future framing and implementation of communication measures
in natural settings.
Messaging studies, Persuasion, Human behavior, Nature-based tourism, Visitor management in national
parks, Communication theory
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