Fixing the knowledge gap
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Why we need more outdoor recreation data and insights.
BC has a large knowledge gap when it comes to outdoor recreation data and insights. In the last 32 years, there have only been three provincial outdoor recreation research projects. The most recent one is nearly a decade old.
You have to ask yourself - how can we value something - let alone manage something - if we don’t measure it?
Over the past year, ORCBC has met with stakeholders and researchers of the outdoor recreation sector to better understand the provincial interests and needs for new research and data. We found widespread interest from academia, the Province, recreation and tourism interests in better understanding the changing landscape of outdoor recreation in BC.
Based on what we heard from these meetings and through a review of relevant literature and existing studies, we have put together a research proposal. We propose that the provincial government and organizations with an interest in learning more about the value of outdoor recreation, collaborate on an outdoor recreation economic impact study with a literature review for non-market values.
Our proposal includes:
A literature review on health, community wellbeing, rural development, reconciliation and Indigenous tourism, and environment
New data collection on participation in outdoor recreation and an understanding of access and barriers to participation
We want to quantify the economic value of outdoor recreation including contributions to GDP, money spent in communities and jobs created.
The benefits of new research:
Helps to justify increased spending and investments in outdoor recreation
Creates opportunities to better support and position the outdoor recreation economy as an important economic sector.
We have shared the proposal with the Province and are seeking collaborators and funders to help move the project forward. Stakeholders are invited to indicate their interest in collaborating on this project with us and to provide input on the current direction. If you want to get involved or help, reach out to us.
