Conceptual model for the management of peri-urban natural areas: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to frame nature tourism within the multifunctionality of peri-urban natural areas, based on empirical research on three habitat management territories with specific conservation goals. This analysis justified the application of an original survey among visitors and semi-structured interviews with management stakeholders with direct or indirect responsibilities in these territories. The results reinforce the importance of adequate governance structures that include various features of pressure and enhancement in the territory, surpassing the current barriers of nature tourism management in the region. A conceptual model is presented, suggesting the development of Territorial Application Units under the effective governance of the national conservation body, as an approach towards proximity and adaptive management policies. Contributions are made in terms of valuing responsible nature tourism in peri-urban conservation strategies, emphasizing new advantages beyond the typically economistic vision.

KEYWORDS:

• Nature tourism
• peri-urban natural areas
• territorial application units
• tourism management
• governance
• Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).