Leveraging blue spaces for public health: Co-creating a whole-system action plan

•To co-create evidence-based, whole-system recommendations for leveraging blue spaces to enhance public health.•To highlight the salutogenic and equigenic benefits of blue spaces.•To guide decision-makers and practitioners in preserving, revitalising and using urban blue spaces for synergistic benefits to people and the planet.

Systems based co-creation.

1)Establish an evidence base through extensive mixed-methods academic research over six years on the health benefits of urban blue spaces.2)Partner with a water-focused national research and innovation program to incorporate policy expertise and reduce siloed working.3)Co-create an action plan with stakeholders using system-based participatory research, following the DISCOVER framework.

The full system map consists of 137 variables and 220 causal linkages. The system map is structured around four core mechanisms that illustrate how urban blue spaces influence health: promoting physical activity, fostering social interaction, supporting a healthy environment, and reducing population stress.

Four strategic objectives identified, achievable through 12 policy actions. Blue spaces offer significant health benefits that have historically been overlooked in regeneration projects. The co-created recommendations provide a comprehensive guide for decision-makers and practitioners to maximise the health benefits of blue spaces. Implementing these recommendations can lead to synergistic benefits for both people and the planet.