Directing recreation pressure via pathways allows for coexistence of recreation and nature development on the upper beach.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Sandy shorelines, including beaches and embryo dunes, are important spaces for both recreation and nature. Balancing these landscape functions remains a challenge. Directing recreation pressure via visitor footpaths (pathways) is widely used to mitigate recreation pressure in nature reserves. However, its potential to support multifunctionality on beaches is poorly quantified.

Objectives

To assess the response relationship between directed recreation pressure and the establishment of characteristic plant species alongside associated topographical development on the upper beach.

Methods

We experimentally introduced seeds and rhizomes (diaspores) of five common dune-building plant species in 30 locations at varying distance from main pathways at a beach near The

SUBMITTER: van Rosmalen SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634784 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature