Perceptions versus evidence of health and wellbeing benefit/risk trade-offs from the natural environment: Implications for decision-makers and practitioners
Caitriona Carlin
NUI Galway
Caitriona Carlin is a professional ecologist with an interest in connecting people with nature, which is the focus of her current research. She is the Principal Investigator on a jointly funded EPA/HSE three year project to assess how nature and environment can attain and restore (NEAR) health. She successfully completed an EPA funded desk study to assess health benefits from biodiversity in 2014-2015. Her interest in this area began when she worked as an ecologist with Natural England. She is a researcher with the Applied Ecology Unit in NUI Galway. Her research projects combine desk studies and fieldwork and she has considerable professional and voluntary experience in engaging members of the public (lead walks/talks etc). She works as a part time course coordinator, lecturer and principal investigator within Environmental Science in NUI Galway, based within the Applied Ecology Unit.
Abstract
Importance of study: For the first time, Irish decision-makers’ perceptions are assessed in relation to the evidence of health and wellbeing benefit/risk trade-offs from the natural environment. Here, as elsewhere, trends of... [ view full abstract ]
Importance of study: For the first time, Irish decision-makers’ perceptions are assessed in relation to the evidence of health and wellbeing benefit/risk trade-offs from the natural environment. Here, as elsewhere, trends of aging populations and socio-economic inequality compounded by excess consumption, sedentary lifestyles and social isolation increase the burden of illness, as restricted public funding limits capacity to deliver health care services. A new approach is needed to reframe attitudes in terms of health- sustaining environments.
Objective: To examine evidence of health-related benefit/risk trade-offs from engaging with biodiversity in relation to green space decision-makers’ values, and make recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Methodologies: We appraise emerging themes and challenges presented by the current literature. We assess perceptions of key stakeholders involved in the planning, design, management and use of Ireland’s green spaces. Using Q methodology, we ascertain stakeholder values in relation to the evidence base.
Results: We categorise evidence of health related benefit/risk tradeoffs from the natural environment according to life stage. We show that stakeholder values are complex, differing within and across stakeholder groups.
Conclusion: Biodiversity is essential to a health-sustaining environment but quantifying the evidence is a major challenge. Perceptions of health benefit/risk trade-offs cannot be categorised solely on the basis of stakeholder role. In seeking to influence policy in this area, we must demonstrate the need to employ multifaceted arguments to engage planners, landscape architects, engineers, health practitioners, conservationists and communities to determine how biodiverse spaces can be created to suit individual preferences and life stages.
Authors
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Caitriona Carlin
(NUI Galway)
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David Quinn
(NUI Galway)
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Martin Cormican
(National University of Ireland, Galway)
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Mike Gormally
(NUI Galway)
Topic Area
Choose your Organised Session from the list below: Natural environments for health and wel
Session
OS-1D » Environmental Management (11:45 - Monday, 15th August, Anderson Theatre)
