UI - Nature based recreation opportunities (LUISA Platform REF2014)

Public, local, nature-based, outdoor recreational activities include a wide variety of practices ranging from walking, jogging or running in the closest green urban area or at the river/lake/sea shore, riding bike in nature after work, picnicking, observing flora and fauna, organizing a daily trip to enjoy the surrounding beauties of the landscape, among a myriad of other possibilities. These activities have an important role on the human well-being and health, since they provide physical, aesthetic, cultural benefits and offer an opportunity to experience directly a relationship with nature. In addition, fruition of nature-based recreational activities may induce people’s support for ecosystem protection. The model estimates the capacity of urban ecosystems to provide recreational opportunities.