Blue landscapes and public health
Although aquatic (blue) landscapes have been used to promote health for centuries, systematic research to explore these issues is relatively recent. We identify four strands of evidence, using different methodological approaches. Preference-based approaches use revealed (e.g. house prices), and stated (e.g. willingness to visit) preferences to examine people’s choice behaviours and intentions in relation to blue landscapes. Experiential approaches tap into people’s experiences in and around blue landscapes (e.g. during and after visits). Experimental approaches deconstruct blue landscapes and explore their impact under controlled conditions, in particular in comparison with the impacts of other landscape types. Finally, quantitative spatial approaches use epidemiological methods to explore health and well-being in relation to how close individuals live to aquatic environments. Broadly speaking, all four approaches suggest important potential for health benefits from blue landscapes, though important caveats, such as the quality of the blue landscape, were also found.