Recovery, Renewal, Resilience

It is important to consider the impacts on both the environment and people's health and safety when restrictions on movements to national parks, beaches and beauty spots are lifted during recovery. The issue is twofold. Firstly, there are health and safety risks associated with lifting restrictions on access to outdoor spaces. An influx of visitors to national parks and beaches could result in a rise in emergency situations such a person being pulled out to sea or lost on mountains.

Consideration should be given to the possible increased need for, and pressure on, mountain rescue and coast guard services. This draws attention to the need for visitor management, inclusive of carparks at nature sites where social distancing is difficult.

Secondly, many countries are seeing wildlife flourishing, whether this is the return of birds or animals, or the rewilding of green spaces. Lifting restrictions could place extreme pressures on the environment due to the influx of human visitors and may lead to the destruction of habitats. Consideration should be given to working closely with conservation experts and educators to inform governments and the public about how to protect and enjoy these spaces, and to encourage ownership of the conservation process.

Reference: Emergency Planner, Canada