Conflict situations and response strategies in urban forests in Switzerland

Abstract

Currently the number of conflicts between forest users is increasing due to new and growing societal demands for forest recreation in addition to the traditional forest function of wood production. Outdoor sports and forest education programmes are adding to the demands on forest use. Even between recreational users there is conflict, e.g. between bikers and hikers. These two causes of conflict are expected to become more acute in the future, which poses new challenges to both forest policy-makers and forest managers. Therefore, analyzing the dynamics and mechanisms of forest recreation governance is crucial to better address societal demands, to maintain or enhance the provision of different forest services, and to manage forest conflicts. This paper analyses forest conflicts that can be traced back to the increasing demand for forest recreation using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework. The paper focuses on conflicts in urban forests using four case studies from Switzerland. The paper argues that a better understanding of forest recreation governance may improve the management and planning of forest recreation in agglomerations by reducing conflict situations and identifying response strategies. Finally, the findings presented may help to achieve a more cross-sectoral and multi-level approach in forest recreation governance.