Understanding cultural ecosystem services: bridging visitor motivations and stakeholder practices at Kasteel Groeneveld

Project Description

This thesis investigates the primary cultural ecosystem services (CES) that attract and benefit
recreational visitors at Kasteel Groeneveld, a historic estate in the Netherlands. By aligning visitor
motivations with policies and practices of stakeholder, the study aims to enhance understanding of how these services contribute to visitor satisfaction and inform management strategies.
The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews of both visitors and local stakeholders. Visitor preferences for CES are analyzed to identify key motivations, including aesthetic enjoyment, recreational opportunities, and emotional well-being derived from the natural environment. These findings are connected with policies and practices of local stakeholders, assessing alignment and identifying areas for improvement. Key findings highlight the significance of aesthetic value, recreational opportunities, and emotional benefits as pivotal CES for visitors. Despite efforts to enhance infrastructure and maintain cultural and natural heritage, differences emerge between visitor preferences and stakeholder priorities, particularly regarding cultural and educational offerings.
The study underscores the importance of integrating visitor perspectives into management practices to optimize CES delivery and visitor satisfaction. Future research could explore longitudinal studies to track changes in visitor perceptions of CES over time at Kasteel Groeneveld, or delve into comparative analyses across different urban green spaces to understand variations in visitor motivations and stakeholder practices influencing CES management. This research contributes to the broader discourse on CES management in urban green spaces, offering insights for sustainable tourism and conservation practices.

Author: A.L. Moor (2024)

Image reference:

(Kasteel Groeneveld – Dag Van Het Kasteel, 2024)