Participatory Design, Planning and Management of Eco-Cultural Trails in Highly Touristic Coastal Areas: The Case of Lagoa in Portugal

Abstract

Recent trail development has been motivated by sustainable tourism destination principles, suggesting a paradigm incorporating an eco-cultural trail concept. As with conventional trails, eco-cultural trail destination governance necessitates coordinated development and management of all landscape elements, emphasizing and protecting cultural and natural assets. This research aims to provide a sustainable strategy for developing eco-cultural trails, applying a qualitative approach and stakeholder participation. Two focus groups and a workshop were conducted involving stakeholders representing governmental agencies, private enterprises, academic experts, students, and environmental organizations. A case study trail “Seven Hanging Valleys” was used in this study to develop an eco-cultural trail development and management strategy. Natural and cultural landscapes, trail infrastructure, trail visitor experience, and marketing and collaboration were the examined dimensions. Based on stakeholders’ visions, a destination development and management plan was established, aligning the environmental objectives to preserve natural and cultural assets, with improved overall experience for travellers and the community. - Community collaboration provides trail managers and policymakers with a framework that identifies the essential levels of investment, programming, and management required to assist trails in becoming more economically and socially driven. - The proposed management plan for eco-cultural trails can assist landscape managers with indicated management priorities when developing eco-cultural trails that aim to respect natural and cultural assets and provide memorable trail-related experiences. - The process of creating a stakeholders' shared vision for the sustainable development of the trail site provides trail managers with a better understanding of existing and future threats and allows them to future-proof trail maintenance and service plans.

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