Map-based participatory activities in building peatland boardwalks

Combining spatial tools with the perceptions of users of ecosystem services is increasingly treated in the literature as participatory mapping. This study explores the use of Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) in designing and implementing a thematic wetland boardwalk at Tinovul La Poduri, Romania. The research utilized a collaborative approach involving twelve student volunteers who contributed to trail planning through participatory mapping. From a methodological perspective, spatial and non-spatial data were collected using both native mobile and web applications, with volunteers documenting points of interest through photographs and detailed observations. The collected data were validated through interpolation and cluster analysis, resulting in a coherent trail design that balances visitor access with ecosystem conservation. The results highlight three key findings: (1) the direct contribution of participants in creating a sustainable tourist boardwalk through PPGIS tools, (2) the educational value of involving young volunteers in wetland management, and (3) the effectiveness of participatory approaches in developing nature-based infrastructure. The study demonstrates how PPGIS can successfully bridge citizen engagement with conservation objectives while creating valuable cultural ecosystem services. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on participatory mapping in protected areas management and offers practical insights for implementing similar initiatives in other sensitive ecosystems.