Stakeholder Mapping for Recreation Planning of a Bahamian National Park

Abstract

This study engaged key stakeholders in developing a recreation management plan for Abaco National Park. Using a stakeholder analysis and participatory mapping exercises, we determined current and desired future land uses of representatives from the tourism industry, hunters, teachers, business leaders, local community members, and environmentalists. Spatial information was analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS) for trends and overlap among recreational activities and between recreation needs and protection of an endangered parrot. Results indicate a diversity of activities occur in the park, each with a distinct spatial distribution. Stakeholder groups had varied priorities for future park uses; however, all groups desired ecotourism and infrastructure development. Overlap existed among recreational uses and between recreation and parrot protection, suggesting the use of spatial and/or temporal zoning to reduce potential conflict. These methods provided valuable data for integrated conservation and recreation planning and should be applicable to other areas lacking social information for planning and management.

Keywords:

• Bahamas
• park
• participatory mapping
• planning
• recreation
• stakeholder analysis