BC Camper’s Code

The demand across British Columbia (and Canada) for access to outdoor spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities has skyrocketed. As a result of recreation-related impacts and the increase in visitation nature-based recreation managers have looked for new and innovative communication interventions to support responsible recreation practices. Specifically, the use of pledges has recently increased across the nature-based tourism and recreation sectors. However, to date, there lacks a substantial body of evidence supporting the efficacy of these pledges or a clear understanding of the mechanisms of success. It is therefore the purpose of this research to target the use of the “BC Camper’s Code” pledge and multi-media communications campaign delivered through the BC Camper’s Code coalition in British Columbia. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of pledges/commitments in influencing behaviours of outdoor recreationists, specifically those who camp overnight for at least 1 night in British Columbia parks and or campgrounds. Visitors will be shown a multi-media (video) outlining the ethical, social, and environmental rationale behind the BC Camper’s Code with a commitment action (online pledge) and written communication regarding the code with a commitment action (online pledge). The findings of this research will increase our understanding of innovative environmental communication techniques.

Faculty Supervisor:

Elizabeth Halpenny

Student:

Partner:

BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Accommodation and food services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: