From muddy marvels to hidden landscapes: Diverse visitor experiences in Tasmanian wetlands and their implications for enhancing human-nature connections

Globally, wetland conservation is impeded by a lack of public awareness, appreciation and advocacy for these conservation-dependant environments. To address this issue, the global policy response has increasingly focused on provisioning meaningful experiences for people in wetlands. However, this relies on an understanding of how people actually experience wetlands and how these experiences relate to their awareness and appreciation (or lack thereof) of these environments. Human–nature connection theory has emerged as a framework through which to explore peoples' experiences of and appreciation for nature. The human–nature connection framework is used here to study peoples' experiences in wetlands of Tasmania, Australia, with a focus on understanding how these experiences can inform policy and practice. On-site semi-structured interviews were conducted with 62 participants in 14 wetlands of diverse types and settings across Tasmania. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed five themes and 12 subthemes which were structured into three levels based on how themes related to each other. Results revealed insights into visitors' immediate direct experiences with nature in wetlands, both positive (Muddy Marvels) and negative (Dismal Swamps). There was also a clear indication of how visitors responded towards other visitors (Paradise for the Recluse), as well as their views towards potential development of the wetland (Nature for Nature). Prevailing lack of ecological consciousness was also apparent with wetlands being Hidden Landscapes. These findings reveal important insights into these diverse and conflicting experiences and perceptions that need to be considered for policy and practice in providing visitors with meaningful experiences. Recommendations are made towards (1) provisioning information on wetlands that are accessible; (2) provisioning information on experiences that suit visitor preferences; (3) creating experiences that are targeted, immersive, contemplative and transformative; (4) cultivating an ecological consciousness that can define and distinguish wetlands. Synthesis and applications. policymakers, wetland managers and stakeholders should foster human–nature connections in wetlands by providing meaningful experiences that address diverse and conflicting needs. This involves engaging visitors across experiential, cognitive and philosophical dimensions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.<p></p>