1. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-, et al.
(author)
-
Accessibility and inclusive nature for everyone? A case study of outdoor recreation in Östersund, Sweden
- 2019
-
In: 28th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research. 23 to 25 October 2019. Roskilde University, Denmark.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In Sweden, outdoor recreation is well established and traditionally considered to create good health with positive effects on physical and mental health (Fredman et al., 2014). The interests of outdoor recreation is hence part of the whole Swedish society, for example, in the government bill the Future Outdoor Recreation (2009/10: 238) it is described that the conditions for a so-called "good outdoor recreation" can be created by the State through spatial planning, accessibility, information and protected nature areas. However, accessibility for outdoor recreation relate to both physical, mental and socio-economic conditions (Emmelin et al., 2010). In Östersund municipality in northern Sweden, it is an on-going work to introduce more health-promoting activities as well as measures and rehabilitation for people with injuries and disabilities. Östersund municipality has developed a "Program for outdoor recreation" with the aim to create accessible outdoor recreation for all its residents. Previous studies have shown that lack of accessibility limits participation in tourism and outdoor activities for people with disabilities and destinations do little to identify and accommodate the specific demands and preferences of people with disabilities. Studies also show that planners are asking for more local investigations as to where, how and why outdoor recreation is practiced (see e.g. Petersson Forsberg, 2012; Ankre, 2019). The presentation will focus on a newly started project with the aim to increase knowledge of some of the challenges in Östersund regarding accessibility, lifestyle and physical activities. In addition, how accessibility and social inclusion can be further supported and developed in the local community are of interest. The project includes a mapping of accessible nature areas within the municipality, an investigation of needs and wishes among citizens with disabilities, and interviews with public and private stakeholders on their view on how to increase participation in outdoor activities. Preliminary results from focus group interviews and fieldwork will be presented. The focus group contains a before-during-and-after perspective. Firstly, the group meets indoors (to talk about, for example previous experiences and the importance of accurate information about the sites), followed by an excursion to a nature area in Östersund municipality, and finally a follow-up group meeting indoors. Of interest are how people with disabilities experience visits to different nature areas in the Östersund municipality, what kinds of obstacles there are when visiting nature areas, and how these areas may be improved. Accessibility also relates to the on-going densification in urban areas as a prevailing planning ideology. There is a general notion that there is so much green and that outdoor recreation can take place “elsewhere”. Even if this may be true, it can also lead to the exploitation of accessible urban and urban-close nature that is important for people’s everyday recreation. What kind of outdoor recreation one is practicing in Östersund and where and why was examined in the autumn of 2016 in a web survey directed at 3,000 randomly selected local residents. The results with a critical discussion of accessibility have recently been published (Ankre & Petersson Forsberg, 2019) which will create additional material in this study. We will also end with a discussion on ethical and methodological considerations. ReferencesAnkre, R. (2019). Friluftslivkonflikter i svenska kustlandskap ur ett planerings- och användarperspektiv. Studier av Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar. Doctoral thesis. Karlskrona, Blekinge Institute of Technology.Ankre, R. & Petersson Forsberg, L. (2019). Förtätning och gröna kilar - konsekvenser för friluftslivet in Samhällsplaneringens teori och praktik. Stockholm, Liber. pp. 197-206.Emmelin, L., Fredman, P., Lisberg Jensen, E. & Sandell, K. (2010). Planera för friluftsliv. Natur, Samhälle, Upplevelser. Stockholm, Carlsson Bokförlag.Fredman, P., Sandell, K., Stenseke, M. & Emmelin, L. (2014). Friluftsliv i förändring. Studier från svenska upplevelselandskap. Editors P. Fredman, M. Stenseke and K. Sandell. Stockholm, Carlsson Bokförlag.Government Bill [Regeringens proposition] 2009/10:238. The Future Outdoor Recreation [Framtidens friluftsliv]. Stockholm, Ministry of the Environment.Petersson Forsberg, L. (2012). Friluftsliv och naturturism i kommunal fysisk planering. Doctoral thesis. Karlskrona, Blekinge Institute of Technology.
|
|
2. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-
(author)
-
Accessibility in a world of islands and islets : Knowledge of the Visitors and Second Home Owners in the Blekinge Archipelago, Sweden
- 2011
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the Swedish coastal areas the geography matters for tourism. Islands offer something special in comparison to massive land because one has to travel by boat or airplane to reach the destination. The detachment from the mainland gives an important physical and psychological aspect to the visit. However, accessibility is a crucial question in the archipelagos. Since the landscape consists of islands, it is necessary to either have access to a private boat or to public transportation. Physical accessibility refers to the ability of people to reach destinations, where the landscape together with infrastructure creates possibilities but also difficulties. The Swedish coastal areas and archipelagos attract many visitors, which create an interest in developing tourism and outdoor recreation. At the same time, these areas consist of valuable nature, culture and considerable bird and animal life. The Blekinge archipelago, Sweden, is a Candidate for becoming a biosphere reserve in the MAB-programme. Biosphere reserves are model areas with the purpose to conserve nature, biodiversity and culture. At the same time, the social and economic development through local support should be promoted. In a biosphere reserve, zoning is an important part but the inhomogeneous landscape of an archipelago makes zoning complicated. The sometimes unclear borders because of the geography and nature, the variation of accessibility, the possibility of different activities, the blurred boundaries of rural and urban living, and the mental perceptions of what an archipelago is, makes it complicated to plan and balance tourism and outdoor recreation with conservation. To understand if and how tourism and outdoor recreation are affected by zoning of a biosphere reserve, knowledge of the visitors and second homeowners is important. In relation to development of tourism and outdoor recreation, the challenge of applying zoning to a biosphere reserve in such a landscape an archipelago represents will be discussed in this study. Also, the purpose of this study is to analyse the visitors and second home owners’ views of accessibility in an archipelago. In the autumn of 2007, a questionnaire survey directed to visitors and second home owners in the Blekinge archipelago was conducted.
|
|
3. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-, et al.
(author)
-
Accessible recreational areas? A pilot study on disabilities, experiences and the outdoors
- 2021
-
In: The 10th MMV Conference. - Ås, Norway : Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionNature experiences and outdoor recreation have numerous positive outcomes with important physical and mental health benefits for the individual. In different international and Swedish legislative proposals and governmental letters this is evident; public health and well-being must be supported, as well as outdoor recreation, and nature experiences for everyone. Some groups in society are nevertheless excluded. Different physical disabilities can be particularly challenging due to physical barriers in nature. It can also be a challenge to get to nature areas because of, for example, incomplete information, long distances, transportation, or individual ability. Lack of accessibility is still a crucial obstacle for people with disabilities to participate in outdoor recreation (Burns et al., 2009). A better understanding of the participation patterns and perceived constraints by people with disabilities is necessary if nature and outdoor recreation are going to become accessible and inclusive (Corazon et al., 2019). The project aims to understand factors that enable and hinder participation in outdoor activities for people with physical disabilities. In the context of Östersund municipality, Sweden, we discuss how people with physical disabilities perceive accessibility to nature, and analyse available information on websites. What prevents people from getting out into nature? What kind of barriers can be identified? What kind of information is needed and is it available? MethodThis is a pilot study with a mixed-methods approach, using semi-structured interviews as its main data collection, followed by an analysis of websites and field observations. Initially, six interviews were conducted in October 2020-May 2021 with people with physical disabilities. The interviewees were identified through local disability associations and were contacted either by email or telephone. The interviews lasted approximately 1–1,5 hours, and were recorded, transcribed and anonymised. Questions included experiences and activities in the outdoors, their experiences of accessibility, safety and information. Follow-up questions were used, often leading to an unstructured dialogue where issues and anecdotes emerged.Five websites were analysed: Östersund municipality, Jämtland county administration board, Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism (JHT), the Accessible database, and Naturkartan.se (a digital visit guide to nature areas). The focus was to identify information available in terms of outdoor recreation. In addition, 18 place observations were carried out in Östersund municipality in June-July 2019 and 2020. These areas - nature reserves and non-protected nature areas - were selected based on website information and the researchers’ local knowledge. Factors such as terrain, public transportations, facilities and the outdoor opportunities in general were considered. An observation took 1-3 hours and included field notes and photo documentation. ResultsThe interviewed spend a lot of time in the nearby nature; it is safer and takes less energy without disappointments. The need for assistance to get out into nature is in many cases clear; people with disabilities are not always independent or autonomous. Maja, a woman in her 40s and nearly blind, says: “One limitation is to get to nature areas by car or bus, it becomes a project too big; I rarely go alone, it is with my husband and children. I have the right to a travel service but it is difficult, it is expensive and not obvious to find the way to nature.” Transport options are important, as well as to actually being able to get from the parking lot to the nature area. There is an obvious lack of understanding of the whole chain of accessibility; to get from A to B. Daniel uses a wheelchair due to an accident and he describes: “Often it is the last meters that becomes a problem. I never get all the way... we saw the water, but we had to sit in the car and eat. ... I feel that it is the final part that goes wrong.“ However, motorized outdoor activities (e.g. quad bike, moped or snowmobile) make nature more accessible, according to some of the interviewed. Mainly the interviewed get information about various nature areas for outdoor recreation from other people. Interviewees state that information is very important for daring to visit places, especially locations where you have not been before. It is crucial that detailed information is available on websites with images of the nature area as well. Information they considered of relevance was about the terrain, distances, accessible toilets, and public transports. The lack of adapted toilets is something that all interviewees highlight as a problem when they visit nature. Simple practical adjustments but also information would make nature more accessible. For the interviewees, on-site signs and information boards are appreciated - if the authentic feeling of the area remains. Our overview of the websites shows that the degree of detailed information differs a lot, and that information is dispersed and not always easy to find. For example, the nature reserve Lillsjön is described to have an adapted footbridge, but the place observation showed that it had been closed for several years for restoration. Also the digital information regarding accessibility of adapted fireplaces and wind shields as well as facilities and equipment on site, need to be developed. ConclusionsThis study reveals how important local nature is to people with physical disabilities and that basic adjustments are lacking (e.g. toilets) and holistic understandings of the experience. There is information about some accessible nature areas in Östersund municipality, but there is still a lack of basic and detailed information. The place observations show that certain nature areas are accessible, but that there is a gap between the municipality’s strategy and reality. Based on this study, the conclusion is that Östersund municipality tries to be inclusive but further information needs to be developed in dialogue with people with disabilities. Burns, N., Paterson, K., & Watson, N. (2009). An inclusive outdoors? Disabled people’s experiences of countryside leisure services. Leisure Studies, 28(4), 403-417.Corazon, S. S., Gramkov, M. C., Poulsen, D. V., Lygum, V. L., Zhang, G., & Stigsdotter, U. K. (2019). I would really like to visit the forest, but it is just too difficult: a qualitative study on mobility disability and green spaces. Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 21(1).
|
|
4. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-
(author)
-
Aktivt och hälsosamt åldrande - samverkan och kunskap för att främja tillgängliga naturmiljöer och utomhusaktiviteter för äldre personer
- 2024
-
Conference paper (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Projektet ”Tillgängliga naturmiljöer för att främja aktivt och hälsosamt åldrande” är finansierat av Familjen Kamprads stiftelse med målet är att fler äldre ska kunna vara aktiva i naturen för förbättrad livskvalitet, fysisk och psykisk hälsa. Vi vill öka kunskapen om sambandet mellan god hälsa, vistelse i naturmiljöer och förståelsen att bristande tillgänglighet exkluderar äldre personer från vardaglig vistelse utomhus. Tre sektorer - offentlig, privat och frivillig – är viktiga när det gäller utevistelser för äldre. Genom samverkan kan de tillhandahålla olika typer av naturmiljöer och främja hälsosamma aktiviteter för äldre. I detta sammanhang är det viktigt att förstå och inkludera äldre personers perspektiv och upplevelser av olika naturmiljöer utifrån tillgänglighet och hälsa. Denna insikt kan bidra till att anpassa utomhusmiljöer och aktiviteter för att bättre tillgodose behoven och preferenserna hos äldre personer.
|
|
5. |
|
|
6. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-, et al.
(author)
-
Att mäta friluftsliv
- 2014. - 1
-
In: Friluftsliv i Förändring. - Stockholm : Carlsson Bokförlag. - 9789173316323 ; , s. 102-118
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
|
|
7. |
|
|
8. |
|
|
9. |
- Ankre, Rosemarie, 1975-
(author)
-
Friluftslivkonflikter i svenska kustlandskap ur ett planerings- och användarperspektiv : Studier av Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar
- 2019
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Hav och kust har alltid varit viktiga för oss människor. I svenska kustlandskap har boende, infrastruktur och fiskenäring existerat sedan lång tid tillbaka samtidigt som områdena också varit viktiga för nöje och rekreation. Men mellan olika intressen, samt mellan och inom olika användargrupper samt förvaltning, kan det uppstå målkonflikter. Utgångspunkten för den här avhandlingen är att beskriva och analysera eventuella målkonflikter kopplat till friluftsliv utifrån både ett planerings- och ett användarperspektiv genom två fallstudier i Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar. Friluftslivet är en del av samhället och dess relevans för fysisk och mental återhämtning ger planering och förvaltning av friluftsliv ett ökat politiskt stöd, samtidigt som tidigare forskning visat att friluftsliv är stark i retoriken - men svag i planeringspraktiken. Därför behövs kunskap som kan utveckla planering och förvaltning av friluftsliv i svenska kustlandskap.Resultaten från den här avhandlingen visar att användarnas perspektiv på målkonflikter i Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar ännu inte till stora delar har inkluderats i den kommunala planeringen. En slutsats är alltså att det finns skillnader i hur konflikter i samband med friluftsliv beskrivs och identifieras i den fysiska planeringen jämfört med användarnas upplevelser. Det har betydelse för förståelsen av friluftlivskonflikter och hanteringen av dessa. Förutom analys och diskussion av konflikter kopplat till friluftsliv, ingår en fördjupande studie av buller och tystnad som konflikt. Upplevelserna av lugn och ro samt tystnad är centrala för användarna i Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar. Ett problem som avslöjas är att metoder med decibelnivåer inte avgör skillnader i buller som upplevelse i sig. Upplevelsen av buller och tystnad är nämligen subjektiv. Även zonering undersöks som ett planerings- och förvaltningsverktyg för att hantera friluftslivkonflikter i svenska kustlandskap. Som denna avhandling visar, finns det flertalet exempel på olika sorters zonering i Luleå och Blekinge skärgårdar. När man i planering och förvaltning utgår från ett perspektiv där naturvård och bevarande är utgångspunkterna, så måste ytterligare värderingar och verktyg inbegripas som att inkludera användare med deras olika behov, upplevelser och aktiviteter som äger rum i skärgårdarnas landskap. Att landskapet i sig är av betydelse syns också i resultaten. I fallstudiernas översiktsplaner markeras det värdefulla, attraktiva och unika med skärgårdslandskapet, medan användarna betonar det äkta, naturliga och opåverkade landskapet som grund för deras friluftsupplevelser.Den här avhandlingen tillför kunskap om spänningen mellan olika attityder och synsätt i den fysiska planeringens processer, förvaltning samt friluftslivets användare i svenska kustlandskap. Avhandlingen är också ett tillägg till tidigare kunskap om zonering som ett sätt att hantera konflikter i svenska kustlandskap, där särskilt användarperspektivet är en viktig del. Avhandlingen bidrar även till en grundläggande översikt av fysisk planering i relation till friluftsliv.
|
|
10. |
|
|