Direct interactions of outdoor sport with ecological systems

Outdoor sport activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, and ski touring, can have an impact on the natural environment. Activities often result in immediate disturbances, such as trampling damage, soil erosion, or disruptions to animal behavior. These seemingly negative effects fuel debates regarding potential conflicts between outdoor sports and their social and natural environments. While detecting these immediate disturbances is relatively straightforward, determining their long-term consequences on ecological systems, such as changes in population dynamics of protected species, presents a significant challenge. It is essential to recognize that apparent negative effects, like the destruction of vegetation, may have positive implications for species composition in one context, while posing a threat to the survival of highly endangered species in another context. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate between direct measurable responses and their long-lasting consequences in ecological systems.
Visitor management faces additional challenges due to the ongoing digitalization and individualization of outdoor sports. Digital planning tools facilitate direct communication with and among outdoor enthusiasts, but they may also encourage off-path exploration and attract visitors to previously undisturbed areas. Rapid changes in novel digital tools can outpace the development of adequate strategies for visitor management. The possibility of direct communication with visitors during their outdoor activities represents a novel key advantage, but effectively reaching people at the right moments with the appropriate tools (during pre-trip preparation, while navigating, or during post-activity reflection) remains a significant challenge.
By examining real-world examples, my talk highlights the challenges and potential of digital tools for visitor management and nature conservation and aims to underscore the importance of a nuanced understanding of the effects of outdoor sport activities on the natural environment.