A recent survey of coastal users has confirmed that the community strongly values the coastal environment for its scenic and recreation values. In an arts practicum partnership between UWA and South Coast NRM, student Kylene Turner has just released the findings of her survey.
Over 250 people provided input to the survey, which was active online for four weeks around the Easter school holidays.
Kylene Turner, a third-year UWA Albany Centre student studying anthropology and conservation biology, discovered why people visit the coast and what concerns they hold.
“People expressed a strong appreciation for the coast in ways that encompass environmental, aesthetic and emotional values along with recreational values,” she said.
“The community also indicated concern for the coastal environment, with almost 60% describing the local coastal and marine environment as showing evidence of environmental decline.”
South Coast NRM Southern Shores project officer Sheryn Prior said the information collected provides useful direction for community engagement activities.
“While people reported environmentally-respectful recreation themselves, they acknowledged they are less consistent in sharing their knowledge of coastcare principles, behaviours and caring for the coast with others,” she said.
The UWA arts practicum scheme provides benefits to both partner organisations and students.
The survey is 1 MB in size and can be downloaded using the link below.