UNDERSTANDING RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON RECREATION, LEISURE, AND TOURISM

The Lagos Island Project: Insights into tourism and Urban planning

 

The Sahara Centre announces the launch of The Lagos Island Project Report, a project carried out in collaboration with the Lagos Urban Development Initiative to understand residents’ perspectives of recreation, leisure and tourism in Lagos. 

Lagos seeks to transform into an urban hub driven by innovation and productivity to stimulate economic growth. These objectives are essential for development, but what is more important is how cities transform. As such, the project sought to understand the attitudes and perspectives of residents, using the themes of recreation, leisure and tourism as avenues from which to explore other urban development themes of security, education and community; and the proposed solutions from the residents themselves. By so doing, the project embarked on a discussion of who should be responsible for what, and through the focus group discussion hosted by the Goethe Institut, identified residents as key and willing players in the development and transformation of Lagos Island. 

The Lagos Island Project, with its focus on people, contributes to a richer understanding of the social dimension of sustainability, which underpins the activities that contribute to the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability.

How can the findings from the project be applied in societal development efforts?

  • Lagos Island has the critical features of an attractive destination, historical character, architectural buildings, proximity to water;
  • Public spaces, beautiful spaces, well-crafted architecture with historical and cultural  character provide a sense of community for residents and enhance their quality of life;
  • There is evidence that more aesthetically-designed cities attract high-wage workers and contribute to the local economy;
  • Addressing residents’ concerns for infrastructural provision, safety and security, public spaces and leisure spaces can drive urban consumption, lead to responsible gentrification and contribute to more sustainable livelihoods for Lagos Island residents;
  • Older buildings can be renovated rather than demolished, as in the case of the Makanjuola House; 
  • Cities with well-defined leisure activities and spaces are more innovative and productive and attract visitors who can contribute to sustainable livelihoods for residents;
  • The creative industries and their spaces (museums, galleries, public spaces, performing arts theatres,  are pivotal in the creation of a vibrant leisure economy and cohesive communities. However, they require both private and public sector investment to be able to contribute to the attractiveness of Lagos Island for residents and visitors. 

Given the importance of recreation and leisure activities to social cohesion and their contributions to sustainable development, this project provides insights into strategies for building sustainable communities in Lagos and other African cities. Importantly, it captures residents’ perspectives on their communities and their ideas on how these communities can be transformed sustainably. The report concludes with insights that can provide sources of reflection for designers, architects, urban planners, real estate developers and policymakers. 

Click here or the on button below to download your copy of the Lagos Island Project.

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