And people who have learned to love the countryside also wish to preserve it. They understand the importance of biological diversity and its conservation. This means that outdoor recreation can be one path towards sustainable development. Studies have shown that there are several reasons why it is important to give children opportunities for outdoor activities from an early age. They develop better physical skills, have more physical and mental energy, more self-confidence and are happier.
Outdoor recreation can also help to prevent diseases that are related to modern lifestyles.
Decisions on land use in these areas are often taken by authorities in other sectors, whose tasks do not include ensuring that outdoor recreation areas are safeguarded. But if green spaces and other nearby areas are built over or developed for other purposes, people need more transport to reach the nearest outdoor recreation areas. This has the most serious impact on groups such as children and older people who may lack access to cars and other means of transport or are not prepared to make longer journeys. However, it is possible to reduce the negative effects on opportunities for outdoor cooperation if the environmental authorites try to influence other sectors and if all sectors of society are prepared to cooperate. In Norway, all sectors have been given a share of the responsibility for achieving the country's environmental targets, which of course include specific goals for outdoor recreation.