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Outdoor Recreation Habits of People in Latvia: General Trends, and Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Edgars Jūrmalis

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute, “Silava”, 111 Rigas Str., LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
    Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia)

  • Zane Lībiete

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute, “Silava”, 111 Rigas Str., LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

  • Arta Bārdule

    (Latvian State Forest Research Institute, “Silava”, 111 Rigas Str., LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia)

Abstract

Outdoor recreation opportunities are crucial for sustaining people’s physical and mental health, and forests are important recreational venues in Europe, especially in its northern part. Our study sought to characterise outdoor recreation patterns and their changes in Latvia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a representative population survey with public participatory GIS elements that allowed the respondents to map their favoured recreation destinations. Our results revealed increased visitor numbers to nature areas during COVID-19. The main stated psychosocial factors behind the increased frequency of nature visits are health benefits and lower perceived risks in the context of the pandemic. Forests as areas simultaneously providing multiple ecosystem services have significant importance in providing space for outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation hotspots concentrate around major urban areas and in some of the largest and most popular nature areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Edgars Jūrmalis & Zane Lībiete & Arta Bārdule, 2022. "Outdoor Recreation Habits of People in Latvia: General Trends, and Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8478-:d:860017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Venter, Zander & Barton, David & gundersen, vegard & Figari, Helene & Nowell, Megan, 2020. "Urban nature in a time of crisis: recreational use of green space increases during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oslo, Norway," SocArXiv kbdum, Center for Open Science.
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