Many factors contribute to Blue Space quality and protection which is directly linked within the system to other variables through BS accessibility and use.
Facilities and Maintenance relates to what facilities are available and they are managed.
Blue Space Use and accessibility is central to the Blue Space map, contributing to the health of the Blue Space but also its users.
There are many aspects of “Safety” highlighted in the map through the direct link to “Adequate policy enforcement”, “Quality and protection”, “Facilities and maintenance” and “Use and accessibility”. The map depicts that “Adequate policy enforcement” “Information” and “Safety” are mitigated by “Blue Space issues”, thus enhancing “Quality & protection” and the adopted “Adequate policy enforcement” and “information”.
This section of the map also acknowledges the many different types of users of Blue Spaces, stakeholders discussed the need for a dedicated space to protect different types of users for the enjoyment of all, for example, swimmers in boat free zones to improve their safety- within the map this is a simple but powerful reinforcing dynamic. Companionship, provides another link between “Safety” and “Accessibility and Use”. Companionship contributes to social benefits whilst also improving the safety for users. In addition, the map also highlights the need to showcase Blue Spaces as an ecosystem for all including the wildlife as users expressed their fear of sea creatures such as jellyfish.
Restrictions also formed part of the conversation linked to “Safety”. The increase in “Issues” causes various state agencies and other stakeholders to impose health & safety restrictions, thus leading to closed spaces. “Health and safety restrictions may be significantly strengthened in case of a global pandemic, like Covid-19 (Covid restrictions). Overall, these restrictions aim to improve “Safety.” This Loop acts as a balancing one, when interventions aim to mitigate the issue.
