(Un)sheltered from the storm: A wind shelter as focal point for recreational nature use conflicts

Abstract

In recent years, a growing interest in sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation has emerged in Sweden and globally. While a positive development for many reasons, it coincides with other shifting patterns in recreational nature use, influenced by climate change, social media, and experimental interventions in natural areas. These developments bring opportunities to broaden participation, but also risk intensifying pressures on natural environments and increasing conflicts over land and nature use. Against this background, this paper focuses on a disputed wind shelter in Östergötland, Sweden. Built as part of the architectural festival Arknat, the shelter sparked a conflict amongst local users, entrepreneurs, and public recreation and tourism officials. The paper aims to analyse the different framings of nature use and decision-making by the parties involved, offering insights into the conflict process, and beyond. The paper concludes by connecting this focal point to broader discussions on the future of nature use, and suggests approaches to prevent, address, or resolve such conflicts.

Management implications

Shifting patterns in recreational nature use, driven by social media, experimental interventions, and increased visitor interest, often concentrate attention on specific locations. This intensifies pressures on natural environments and increases the likelihood of nature use conflicts. Based on this case, the following management implications can be drawn.

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  Leverage architecture as a tool: When designed with local input, architectural interventions can broaden participation and enhance some, but not all, visitors' experiences in nature.
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  Balance accessibility and preservation: Interventions should account for tensions between maintaining hidden, reflective spaces and meeting the growing demand for shared, accessible natural areas.
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  Conduct inventory-taking: Before introducing interventions, inventory the cultural, symbolic, and recreational significance of specific locations to anticipate areas of contention, possibly together with diverse nature users and stakeholders.
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  Mitigate conflict risks: Adopt transparent decision-making and communication processes to address stakeholder concerns early and reduce the potential for long-term tensions.
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  In the case of conflict, use conflict mediation and reframing: Facilitate mediation processes that allow stakeholders to reframe conflicts, fostering mutual understanding and reducing polarisation.