Our latest paper delves into the critical role of social acceptance in the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), focusing on Port-Cros National Park, France. With insights from 569 local residents, we identify key factors—social impacts, trust in authorities, sociodemographics, and citizen participation—that shape community support. Understanding these can help enhance conservation efforts under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Explore how empowering local communities could lead to better governance of protected areas.

#Biodiversity #Conservation #MarineProtectedAreas #SocialAcceptance #Research

The paper is available open-access here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569124002989

Read one of our latest reports capturing people's perceptions on the social outcomes of Olympos National Park in Greece. The park is one of the oldest in the country and it is of high significance both for nature and local communities. Questionnaires were distributed with the support of a researcher from the University of the Aegean, supervised by Prof Nikoleta Jones and Professor Panayiotis Dimitrakopoulos. The results reveal a very high level of acceptance for the park and also a number of benefits for locals including connectedness to nature, recreation and quality of life.

You can read the full report here.Link opens in a new window

Exploring the Social Impact of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Southern Europe 🌊

Exciting insights from our recent study on MPAs in Spain, Italy, Greece, and France reveal their vital role in conserving marine ecosystems and boosting local economies.

Key Findings:

• Economic Impact: While MPAs significantly boost regional economies through tourism and sustainable fishing, the direct impact on personal income for locals is modest.
• Social Benefits: High quality of life and recreation benefits are evident, though access rights can be contentious.
• Public Support & Trust: Strong support exists for MPAs, with notable variations (e.g., 90% support in Atlantic Islands of Galicia vs. 60% in Alonissos). However, trust in management authorities remains low, indicating a need for better governance.

Policy Recommendations:

1. Enhance Local Economic Benefits: Develop strategies to increase economic advantages for local communities, focusing on sustainable tourism and local fisheries.
2. Strengthen Governance: Improve transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes to build trust and support.
3. Promote Social Equity: Ensure consistent surveys to address social equality and the distribution of social impacts, helping to develop strategies that support economic benefits and minimize conflicts.

Access the full report here

Our new report is now available capturing change of perceptions for Matsalu National Park in Estonia between 2021 and 2024. Matsalu National Park known for its biodiversity and eco-tourism, was the subject of social surveys and personal interviews in 2021 and 2024 to assess its social impacts and public perceptions. The 2021 survey established a baseline, highlighting economic benefits, land use changes, and community involvement, as well as public views on the park’s significance and management. The follow-up research in 2024 aimed to identify trends and shifts in public opinion, influenced by any new policies or developments since the initial survey. The results offer insights for sustainable management and development of the park.

Read the report here

We're excited to share the findings from a comprehensive study led by the University of Warwick, examining public perceptions and the social impact of the WWT's 64 nature reserves. These reserves offer more than just beautiful landscapes – they provide vital mental and physical health benefits, foster community engagement, and play a key role in biodiversity conservation.

Key Takeaways:

• 90% of respondents support the existence of WWT nature reserves.
• Benefits include increased accessibility, mental health improvements, and enhanced quality of life.
• 36.7% of participants expressed willingness to volunteer in the future.
• Trust in Warwickshire Wildlife Trust remains strong, with over 80% showing confidence in its management.

Challenges & Opportunities:

• Accessibility for disabled individuals and better public awareness were highlighted as areas for improvement.
• The need for inclusive green spaces in urban areas like Coventry and Birmingham remains crucial.

Let’s continue to support and protect our natural treasures! 🌳

The survey is available here

In this new report we present the results of a survey conducted in the Atlantic Islands national park in Galicia. The survey captured the multiple social outcomes of the national park for local communities. It also captured a number of other social aspects such as the level of public engagement, environmental and social values and trust in institutions. Our results reveal numerous benefits that the park offers for local communities and a high level of support for the designated protected area. These perceptions however are accompanied by low levels of trust for institutions. Opportunities to further engage locals with volunteering opportunities and in decision-making processes were also noted. You can read the full report hereLink opens in a new window

Our latest report on people's views and social outcomes of Triglav National Park is now available. Triglav National Park is located in north-western Slovenia and covers almost the entire Slovenian part of the Julian Alps. It is the only national park in Slovenia with the status of a protected area with strict protection of the core zone and the preservation of a cultural landscape in the surrounding areas. Our research revealed the multiple beneficial outcomes that Triglav National Park offers for local communities. The park serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing numerous recreational opportunities. These activities promote physical well-being, contributing to the overall quality of life for locals. Triglav National Park also plays a crucial role in cultural heritage preservation, maintaining the traditions and lifestyles of nearby communities. While the park's conservation objectives may restrict certain economic activities, the social advantages it provides in terms of education, health, and cultural identity are undeniable.You can access the full report here

This study investigates the diversity, extent, and social and spatial distribution of the social outcomes of the Eifel National Park in Germany and how these are linked with the level of public support for the park, as well as the effect of COVID-19 on these social impacts. Structured questionnaires were distributed to local residents living inside or near the national park. According to our study the national park is rated positively by the majority of respondents, and provides a range of benefits, but also costs, to local communities. There are also variations in how these impacts are distributed across different sub-communities, between residents and visitors, and across geographical locations in and around the park, and there is a significant relationship between local people’s perceptions of some social impacts and their level of support for the national park’s existence. Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that, whilst living in close proximity to the park enhances the quality of life of local residents, any future increases in tourism may need careful planning and management if they are not to erode local people’s quality of life. You can access the full paper here

In this paper we run a structural equation model exploring how the interconnections between governance, social capital and social impacts can lead to higher levels of support for PAs using data from 3239 local residents in 10 PAs in Europe. Our analysis shows that the mediation effects of governance indicators, such as trust in institutions and level of public engagement, are important in explaining associations between an individual’s social profile and their perceived social impacts with public support. Our findings also provide a useful and operational framework for PA practitioners and researchers illuminating pathways to increase the level of public support for a PA. Full paper can be accessed here: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/acc95b/pdf

The recent FIDELIO report on Pieniny National Park reveals significant local support and strong community ties to the park, with 75% of respondents expressing their support for its existence. Conducted by the University of Warwick, the survey assessed 223 residents' views on various social outcomes, including trust in park management, environmental behavior, and place attachment. Key findings highlight that residents generally adhere to responsible environmental practices and trust the park authorities, with many feeling a deep connection to the area. The report suggests enhancing community engagement and sustainable tourism to foster a greater sense of ownership and economic benefit, ensuring that future conservation efforts are inclusive and beneficial for both nature and the local community. You can access the report here