South Africa and the rest of the world currently face an exacerbating threat of environmental degradation, which can be partly ascribed to the fact that some parts of society still place economic growth as a priority over environmental conservation. This study shows that such an approach is only profitable over the short term and actually causes more harm than good. On the other hand, the world is still recovering from the major 2008 global financial crisis. To tip the scale back into balance, it is crucial that economic -, social -, and environmental development be sustainable; from now and into the future. This study recognises that, to achieve sustainable development at all three levels, a transition to a green economy is needed. In essence a green economy requires investment in the environment for the benefit of both society and the economy. This study then goes on to show that ecotourism can be used as a manner to invest in the environment, whilst at the same time uplifting society and improving the economy. Subsequently it is identified as a key driver of a green economy. However, a daunting reality is that ecotourism developments and - activities also threaten the environment. This study therefore argues that ecotourism has to be regulated effectively; otherwise it will not live up to its purpose and may, as a result, curtail South Africa’s efforts of a transition to a green economy, instead of positively contributing to it. This study asks the question: Does South Africa’s environmental legislation provide for the effective regulation of ecotourism? This question is answered by considering whether various relevant pieces of national environmental legislation measure up to certain criteria that is inherent to the effective regulation of ecotourism. Finally this study serves to show that; from an environmental law perspective, and to the extent that this study investigated the ecotourism environment, ecotourism as a phenomenon is regulated effectively in South Africa. However, it appears that there still remains tremendous scope for improvement. / LLM (Environmental Law and Governance), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Abstract in English, Afrikaans and Zulu / Tourism generates foreign currency and employment, and proper planning and management benefits the community and environment upon which tourism depends. The study investigated the management of sustainable action plans at selected nature-based attractions in Botswana, namely; Gaborone Game Reserve, Khutse Game Reserves, and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Purposive, convenience and snowball sampling yielded 25 respondents for semi-structured interviews. Findings highlighted that sustainable action plans, like recycling and engaging local labour, were managed and implemented to a small extent. The conclusions were that the full potential of sustainable action plans management needed to be fully explored. The study recommends government enforcement of policies, master plans and strategies for management of sustainable action plans in nature-based attractions; and decentralisation of public nature-based attractions to allow managers full management of sustainable action plans. Government and private sector should fund management of all nine sustainable action plans, and implement a holistic tourism strategy to retain the quality of tourists’ experiences. / Ezokuvakasha zidala imali yangaphandle kanye nomsebenzi, nokuhlelwa kahle nokuphathwa kahle komphakathi kanye nemvelo lapho ezokuvakasha zincike khona. Ucwaningo lucwaninge ukuphathwa kwezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme ezikhethiwe zokukhangiswa kwemvelo eBotswana, okuyiSiqiwi iGaborone, iSiqiwi iKhutse, nokuGcinwa kweMvelo iMokolodi. Imibonakaliso ekhethwe ngokusekelwe ezilinganisweni zabantu kanye nenhloso yocwaningo (purposive sampling), indlela yokubala nokudweba idatha emele ngokukhetha abantu ngenxa yokukhululeka kokuzithandela kwabo (convenience sampling) kanye nabacwaningi bezokucwaninga abathatha abanye abahlanganyeli ukuze banze ucwaningo (snowball sampling) inikeza abaphenduli abangu-25 ngemibuzo ehleliwe. Okutholakele kubonise ukuthi izinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme, njengokuvuselela kabusha nokubandakanya abasebenzi basekhaya, zaphathwa futhi zenziwa ngendlela encane. Isiphetho sasiwukuthi amandla aphelele okuphathwa ezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme kufanele ahlolwe. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuqiniswa kwezinqubomgomo kuhulumeni, izinhlelo ezinhle kanye namasu okuphathwa kwezinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme ezikhethiwe zokukhangiswa kwemvelo; kanye nokwabiwa kwamandla okukhangayo okusekelwe emphakathini ukuvumela abaphathi ukuphatha ngokugcwele kwalezi zinhlelo. Uhulumeni kanye nezimboni ezizimele kufanele baxhase ukuphathwa kwazo zonke izinhlelo zokusebenza ezisimeme eziyisishiyagalolunye, futhi basebenzise uhlelo lwezokuvakasha oluphelele ukugcina isipiliyoni sabavakashi sisezingeni. / Toerisme genereer buitelandse valuta en werkverskaffing, en behoorlike beplanning en bestuur is tot voordeel van die gemeenskap en omgewing waarop toerisme staatmaak. Die studie het die bestuur van volhoubare aksieplanne by geselekteerde natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede in Botswana, naamlik die Gaborone, Khutse en Mokolodi Natuurreservate, ondersoek. Doelbewuste, gerief- en sneeubalsteekproefneming het 25 respondente vir semigestruktureerde onderhoude opgelewer. Volgens die bevindings, is volhoubare aksieplanne soos herwinning en die gebruik van plaaslike arbeid, tot ’n mate bestuur en geïmplementeer. Die gevolgtrekking was dat die volle potensiaal van volhoubare aksieplanbestuur verken moet word. Die studie het regeringstoepassing van beleide, meesterplanne en strategieë aanbeveel vir die bestuur van volhoubare aksieplanne in natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede; en die desentralisasie van openbare natuurgebaseerde besienswaardighede om bestuurders toe te laat om hierdie planne ten volle te bestuur. Die regering en die privaat sektor behoort die bestuur van al nege die volhoubare aksieplanne te befonds, en 'n holistiese toerismestrategie te implementeer om die gehalte van toeriste-ervarings te behou. / Transport Economics, Logistics and Tourism / M. Com. (Tourism Management)

South Africa and the rest of the world currently face an exacerbating threat of environmental degradation, which can be partly ascribed to the fact that some parts of society still place economic growth as a priority over environmental conservation. This study shows that such an approach is only profitable over the short term and actually causes more harm than good. On the other hand, the world is still recovering from the major 2008 global financial crisis. To tip the scale back into balance, it is crucial that economic -, social -, and environmental development be sustainable; from now and into the future. This study recognises that, to achieve sustainable development at all three levels, a transition to a green economy is needed. In essence a green economy requires investment in the environment for the benefit of both society and the economy. This study then goes on to show that ecotourism can be used as a manner to invest in the environment, whilst at the same time uplifting society and improving the economy. Subsequently it is identified as a key driver of a green economy. However, a daunting reality is that ecotourism developments and - activities also threaten the environment. This study therefore argues that ecotourism has to be regulated effectively; otherwise it will not live up to its purpose and may, as a result, curtail South Africa’s efforts of a transition to a green economy, instead of positively contributing to it. This study asks the question: Does South Africa’s environmental legislation provide for the effective regulation of ecotourism? This question is answered by considering whether various relevant pieces of national environmental legislation measure up to certain criteria that is inherent to the effective regulation of ecotourism. Finally this study serves to show that; from an environmental law perspective, and to the extent that this study investigated the ecotourism environment, ecotourism as a phenomenon is regulated effectively in South Africa. However, it appears that there still remains tremendous scope for improvement. / LLM (Environmental Law and Governance), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Nature–based tourism destinations have shown significant growth over the past decade and, with the ever increasing numbers of tourists travelling to national parks, the right management structures, goals and objectives need to be determined. South African National Parks (SANParks) manages all 22 national parks in South Africa with the Kruger National Park (KNP) being the biggest of them all and generating more than 80% of SANParks income. The KNP is one of the world’s largest parks conserving a staggering 1 962 362 ha of land which is bigger than countries such as Israel and Holland. When taking the KNP into perspective, park management must have the right management styles and factors in place to ensure that the park is managed in a sustainable manner and exceeds the expectations of the tourist to provide a memorable experience whilst visiting the KNP. The goal of this study was therefore to determine the critical management aspects or critical success factors (CSFs) needed to create a memorable visitor experience at the park. This goal was achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey at four rest camps within the KNP from 27 December 2010 to 4 January 2011. The rest camps used for the survey were: Skukuza (152 questionnaires), Berg and Dal (98 questionnaires), Lower Sabie (85 questionnaires) and Satara (101 questionnaires). During this time a total of 436 questionnaires were completed and included in further analysis. In Article 1, the key management aspects that visitors regard as important for a memorable visitor experience at the KNP were identified. These CSFs assist management in providing quality services and products for the tourist, leading to a memorable experience. A factor analysis was performed on the expectations of the tourists to national parks. There were nine CSFs identified that management can implement to ensure a memorable visitor experience. The three factors that have not yet been identified in previous research were wildlife experience, interpretation and luxuries. Other factors that have been identified were General management, Variety activities, Accommodation, Green management, Hospitality management, and Facilities. The results showed that park management needs to become aware of what the visitor sees as important factors for a memorable visitor experience and they can adapt certain aspects to improve the visitor’s experience. In Article 2, gaps within the park management were identified. These gaps were measured by taking the 62 variables and asking the tourist what their expectations were with regard to a memorable experience versus their actual/real experience at the park. A factor analysis on the expectations and the actual/real experiences was done and each of these factors was given a score. The scores of each factor were measured against one another indicating the differences and gaps in management. The twelve factors that were identified were General management, Education activities. Accommodation facilities, Green management, Information provided, Layout of the park, Wildlife, Facilities in the park, Food and Beverage management, Interpretive activities, Bookings and General services, and Outdoor activities. These twelve factors have also been grouped into three sub groups containing four factors each and either the expectations were exceeded, did not meet expectations or were neutral. The main gaps were Education, Accommodation facilities, Interpretations facilities and Wildlife. If management want to ensure a memorable visitor experience at the KNP they must not only focus on these gaps, but also strive to exceed visitors’ expectations on all levels. This research found that there are certain CSFs for managing a national park and gaps within park management that need to be addressed. These gaps or problem areas can be overcome by the implementation of a continuous evaluation process that will ensure effective and efficient management of the park. Park management can therefore improve their services and products as well as the quality thereof by knowing what the tourists see as important when visiting a national park to obtain a memorable experience that will lead to positive word of mouth, loyalty, increased revenue and sustainability of the KNP. Even though it is not a requirement of a masters’ dissertation to make a contribution, this research has made a significant contribution towards the methodology as the method applied determined the gaps in visitor experience and expectations and this has not been used before. Future research can make use of this type of method determining individuals’ expectations and experiences when visiting a national park or any other nature–based destination. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Nature–based tourism destinations have shown significant growth over the past decade and, with the ever increasing numbers of tourists travelling to national parks, the right management structures, goals and objectives need to be determined. South African National Parks (SANParks) manages all 22 national parks in South Africa with the Kruger National Park (KNP) being the biggest of them all and generating more than 80% of SANParks income. The KNP is one of the world’s largest parks conserving a staggering 1 962 362 ha of land which is bigger than countries such as Israel and Holland. When taking the KNP into perspective, park management must have the right management styles and factors in place to ensure that the park is managed in a sustainable manner and exceeds the expectations of the tourist to provide a memorable experience whilst visiting the KNP. The goal of this study was therefore to determine the critical management aspects or critical success factors (CSFs) needed to create a memorable visitor experience at the park. This goal was achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey at four rest camps within the KNP from 27 December 2010 to 4 January 2011. The rest camps used for the survey were: Skukuza (152 questionnaires), Berg and Dal (98 questionnaires), Lower Sabie (85 questionnaires) and Satara (101 questionnaires). During this time a total of 436 questionnaires were completed and included in further analysis. In Article 1, the key management aspects that visitors regard as important for a memorable visitor experience at the KNP were identified. These CSFs assist management in providing quality services and products for the tourist, leading to a memorable experience. A factor analysis was performed on the expectations of the tourists to national parks. There were nine CSFs identified that management can implement to ensure a memorable visitor experience. The three factors that have not yet been identified in previous research were wildlife experience, interpretation and luxuries. Other factors that have been identified were General management, Variety activities, Accommodation, Green management, Hospitality management, and Facilities. The results showed that park management needs to become aware of what the visitor sees as important factors for a memorable visitor experience and they can adapt certain aspects to improve the visitor’s experience. In Article 2, gaps within the park management were identified. These gaps were measured by taking the 62 variables and asking the tourist what their expectations were with regard to a memorable experience versus their actual/real experience at the park. A factor analysis on the expectations and the actual/real experiences was done and each of these factors was given a score. The scores of each factor were measured against one another indicating the differences and gaps in management. The twelve factors that were identified were General management, Education activities. Accommodation facilities, Green management, Information provided, Layout of the park, Wildlife, Facilities in the park, Food and Beverage management, Interpretive activities, Bookings and General services, and Outdoor activities. These twelve factors have also been grouped into three sub groups containing four factors each and either the expectations were exceeded, did not meet expectations or were neutral. The main gaps were Education, Accommodation facilities, Interpretations facilities and Wildlife. If management want to ensure a memorable visitor experience at the KNP they must not only focus on these gaps, but also strive to exceed visitors’ expectations on all levels. This research found that there are certain CSFs for managing a national park and gaps within park management that need to be addressed. These gaps or problem areas can be overcome by the implementation of a continuous evaluation process that will ensure effective and efficient management of the park. Park management can therefore improve their services and products as well as the quality thereof by knowing what the tourists see as important when visiting a national park to obtain a memorable experience that will lead to positive word of mouth, loyalty, increased revenue and sustainability of the KNP. Even though it is not a requirement of a masters’ dissertation to make a contribution, this research has made a significant contribution towards the methodology as the method applied determined the gaps in visitor experience and expectations and this has not been used before. Future research can make use of this type of method determining individuals’ expectations and experiences when visiting a national park or any other nature–based destination. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This thesis has set out to shine a light on the prevalence of outdoor recreation in regional strategies, regarding how friluftsliv can contribute to regional development and growth. In the context of the outdoor recreation goals, friluftsliv has been pushed to be involved within the regional development and spatial planning process in regions. However, the extent of measures to involve friluftsliv in RDS/P (Regional Development Strategy/Plan) from regional authorities are far in-between. The County Administrative Board (TCAB) on the other hand, are actively working within their regions on how to involve friluftsliv in the spatial planning process, partly because of difference in responsibility factors from the two authorities. The same can be said regarding the many similarities and differences found primarily in the work from TCABs. For example, how friluftsliv frequently is described to have a positive contribution on citizens well-being and quality of life, that in-turn positively impact aspects of regional development, while some discuss the implications of friluftsliv on the environment. Friluftsliv can work as a catalyst for regional development, although it can be argued to be geographically dependant for commercial activities, while its indirect social, economic, and environmental contributions are not geography dependant. One conclusion made in the thesis is that a more transcending planning process regionally to promote friluftsliv is needed, where both the regions and TCAB carry out the planning in unison with the SEPA (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency) to spread the needed knowledge for the purpose of smart spatial planning between the authorities. / Denna masteruppsats har syftat till att belysa förekomsten av friluftsliv i regionala strategier, relaterat till hur friluftsliv kan bidra till regional utveckling och tillväxt. Detta analyserades i samband med uppkomsten av friluftslivsmålen, där friluftsliv är syftat till att vara involverad i den regionala utvecklingen och den fysiska planeringsprocessen i regioner. Emellertid är omfattningen av åtgärder för att involvera friluftsliv i RUS/P (Regional Utvecklingsstrategi/Plan) från regionala myndigheter låga. Länsstyrelserna å andra sidan arbetar aktivt inom sina regioner för att involvera friluftsliv i den fysiska planeringsprocessen. Detta är på grund av den skillnaden i ansvarsområden över specifika faktorer mellan de två myndigheterna. Detsamma kan kopplas till de många likheter och skillnader som främst återfinns i Länsstyrelsernas arbete. Exempelvis hur friluftsliv ofta beskrivs bidra på ett positivt sätt för medborgarens välbefinnande och livskvalitet, som i sin tur positivt påverkar många aspekter av regional utveckling, medan vissa fokuserar på att diskutera konsekvenserna av friluftsliv på miljön. Friluftsliv kan fungera som en katalysator för regional utveckling, även om friluftslivets kommersiella verksamhetsmöjligheter kan påstås vara geografiskt beroende kan dock dess indirekta sociala, ekonomiska och miljömässiga bidrag för regional utveckling syftas till att vara geografiskt oberoende. En slutsats som gjorts i uppsatsen är att en mer övergripande planeringsprocess regionalt för att främja friluftsliv behövs, där både regionerna och Länsstyrelserna genomför planeringen i överensstämmelse med Naturvårdsverket för att sprida den nödvändiga kunskapen i syfte att engagera i aktiv diskussion för främjandet av smart rumslig planering mellan myndigheterna.

No description available.

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are currently considered among the most effective tools available to city administrations and urban planners to tackle the negative effects of climate change.This umbrella concept comprises a large set of different low-impact technical solutions that are inspired/supported, or copied, from nature. NBS are particularly valued as they can help cities foster sustainability and enhance resilience, while providing social benefits and new economic opportunities. NBShave been selected as a priority by the European Commission.Existing literature does not provide a clear, unique definition of NBS nor sufficient empirical support to demonstrate long-term change in communities and affected territories, particularly for participatory actions, as these are often difficult to analyse, measure, and assess. Adapting NBS-based strategies to local contexts is always a challenge – not only in terms of physical interventions, but particularly in terms of creating common understanding and long-term impact. Yet, dissemination activities, exchanges and debates across local and global actors are often considered as ‘collateral’.Starting from these premises, the study investigates the role of communication across local and global networks in NBS projects to explore which elements favour or hinder collaboration and knowledge creation, looking for possible seeds of transformation that might go undetected due to their intangible, non-quantifiable nature.Through a case study and a set of qualitative interviews, the challenges of understanding and adopting NBS will be tackled among the local and the global, revealing the importance of transdisciplinarity and a set of enabling conditions to facilitate transformative learning, and the role of flexible, adaptable participatory approaches to enhance collaborative open innovation. Possible ways forward and challenges towards forms of participatory governance will also be included.The analysis is clustered per themes to investigate the dynamics of dissemination activities, living lab settings and collaboration among international partners, as well as the overall influence of the European dimension; it ends with challenges and opportunities for the future of living labs and collaboration after the closure of the project. Meaningful examples and best practices shared by the2interviewees will guide the analysis. Additional topics and concerns as expressed freely by the participants will be outlined.As outlined in the closing section, reiteration of concepts and multiple opportunities to learn, experience and exchange about NBS are needed at local and global level. To support such collaborative effort, it takes one or more skilled facilitators as well as project frameworks to enable cross-sectoral collaboration and spontaneous inputs, towards innovative, long-lasting strategies to contribute in the global battle against climate change in cities.In the conclusions, through experiences and suggestions from the participants, possible strategies and actions will be reported, inviting for further transdisciplinary research by highlighting how intangible and practical items contribute to nature-based thinking. As to say: “to be inspired by natural processes in all aspects of urban development to create more holistic approaches to sustainable cities'' (Randrup, et al., 2020, p. 2).

Enligt Tillväxtverket (2019) har den totala konsumtionen inom svensk turismnäring ökat med 124% mellan åren 2000–2018. Denna trend kan även utläsas för den svenska naturturismen där en studie från Mittuniversitet (2014) visade att det inom naturturism omsätts ca 3.6 miljarder kronor varje år och att 40% av företagen var i en tillväxtfas (Fredman, Margaryan, 2014). En form av naturturism som växt sig stark norra Sverige under senare år är norrskenturismen (Jóhannesson & Lund, 2017; Mathisen, 2017; Friedman, 2010), som i enbart Kiruna kommun beräknas omsätta runt 100 miljoner varje år (Naturturismföretagen. 2019). Idag är denna typ av turism framförallt koncentrerad till landsbygden med långa avstånd och höga resekostnader som följd. Samtidigt som många turister har en negativ påverkan på djur och natur (Björnsdóttir, 2015). Syftet med studien är således att ta fram och föra en diskussion kring vilka aspekter av en belysningsanläggning som är viktiga för att göra norrskensturismen mer stadsnära och tillgänglig för en större del av befolkningen. Arbetet ska även ge förslag på generella anpassningar av den artificiella belysningen som kan appliceras på anläggningen. Metoden som används är en kombination av litteraturstudie, intervjuer och en analys av befintliga belysningsprogram. Litteraturstudien gav en bakgrundsundersökning inom ämnet samt tydliggjorde hur studiens syfte skulle formuleras. Intervjuerna genomfördes med fyra ljusdesigners där deras tankar och idéer gällande vilka aspekter som anses viktiga för att skapa en stadsnära norrskensturism. I studiens sista steg analyserades redan befintliga belysningsprogram från städer där belysningsanläggningen anpassats för att minimera stadens ljusföroreningar. Analyserna gav sedan konkreta åtgärdsförslag som jämfördes med intervjudeltagarnas resonemang. Studiens resultat visar på att armaturavskärmning, ljusfördelning, ljuspunktshöjder och belysningsstyrning anses vara de viktigaste aspekterna för den artificiella belysningen. Lagar, standarder och andra former av styrdokument är en annan aspekt som ofta togs upp, med resonemang för hur dessa kan påverka en belysningsanläggnings hösta respektive lägsta nivå. Gällande de generella förslagen på anpassningar redovisas att både anpassningar av ljuskällors färgtemperaturer och ljusriktning kan appliceras på en anläggning förhållandevis enkelt. Men att en väl anpassad belysningsstyrning är svårare, det ska dock tilläggas att denna anpassning kan ha större och mer positiv påverkan för en norrskensanpassad belysningsanläggning. Till de personer som vill utveckla denna typ av projekt rekommenderas att i ett tidigt skede blanda in eventuella intressenter och ta hänsyn till deras aspekter. Arbetets ämnesområde är relativt outforskat och en väl utförd förstudie inför projektet är därför av stor vikt för att minimera eventuella misstag. Studien begränsas av att enbart ta hänsyn till och föra en diskussion kring de aspekter som uppkommit under intervjuerna. Dessa aspekter är endast hämtade ur en ljusdesigners perspektiv och tydliggör således inte andra intressenters intressen inom ämnet. / According to The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (2019) the total consumption of tourism in Sweden has grown with 124% between the years 2000-2018. This trend that also applies for the Swedish nature-tourism where a study from Mid Sweden University (2014) shows that nature-based tourism each year has approximately 3.6 billion SEK in turnover, and that 40% of concerned businesses is in a phase of growth (Fredman & Margaryan, 2014). Northern light-tourism is a form of nature-tourism that has grown quickly in northern Sweden in recent years (Jóhannesson & Lund, 2017; Mathisen, 2017; Friedman, 2010). In Kiruna alone it is estimated that the northern light tourism alone has a revenue of 100 million SEK each year (Swedish Nature and Ecotourism Association, 2019). This form of tourism often has a high traveling costs and is concentrated to the countryside with far traveling distances between each site. In the same time, a lot of tourists on the countryside has a negative impact on the nature and wildlife (Björnsdóttir, 2015). The purpose of this study is therefore to point out and discuss around different aspects concerning the artificial lighting with an impact on how we can develop a northern light- tourism in a more urban environment. The study shall also give general suggestions for how these aspects can be adapted into a light installation. The method that is use in this research is a literature study, interviews and an analyse of four cities’ lighting masterplans. The literature study was used to specify the foundation and aim of the study. Where the interviews clarified the important aspect for an urban development of northern light-tourism from a lighting designers’ point of view. In the last phase of the study, four lighting masterplans with a clear focus on how to prevent light pollution where analysed. These analyses then gave some action proposals that can be compared to the answers from the interview participants. The results from the study show that shielded luminaires, light distributions, luminaire installation height and lighting controls are considered to have the largest impact on the lighting installation regarding the visibility of the northern light. Also, laws and regulations were a common answer, with some reasoning about the regulations of max and min requirements from an installation. Regarding the general proposals some suggestions concerning luminaire colour temperature and light distribution can quite easy be applied to an installation, in comparison to a more complicated lighting control. To everyone that would like to develop a project of this kind it is recommended that in an early stage get in contact with any stakeholders and listen to their opinions. In that way any mistakes are minimised even though the topic of this study is relatively unexplored.The study is limited to only show and discuss the answers that came up under the interviews, and that these answers is only reproduced from a lighting designers’ point of view.

Global urbanization trends have made people move to cities where they tend to have less access to nature. Urban nature is important for human well-being and biodiversity, therefore urban planners are increasingly integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects in urban environments.  This research investigated how to support citizen engagement for NbS while evaluating the urban environment, focusing on young people as they are often excluded from decision-making and planning processes.  The research design included a literature review and interviews with city planners, to develop a Participatory Photo Mapping (PPM) tool to enhance resident participation and stimulate discussion around social and environmental aspects for effective urban NbS.  The prototype tool consists of a multi-layer map combined with NbS projects, locations, and photos reported by participants (from two Swedish cities, Malmö and Karlskrona), and two environmental indicators: land cover and biodiversity occurrence. Participants identified locations they perceived as improving or hindering the quality of life and the natural environment.  Participants valued ‘nature’ as the key multi-beneficial factor for the socio-ecological systems. The prototype supports strategic sustainable development by allowing holistic mapping and evaluation of the city to increase communication between the residents and municipalities and to strengthen residents’ engagement in shaping their cities.