Eifel National Park

Social Impact Assessment in Eifel National Park

The Eifel National Park is one of 16 designated National Parks in Germany. It was established in 2004 on predominantly publicly owned land, including 33 km² of former military training grounds. Postcards were sent to all households in 12 villages inside or near the Eifel National Park inviting them to participate in a pilot version of the SOCIAT survey. In total 333 responses were received, yielding a 5% return.

This information can allow National Park authorities to identify which communities have the most negative attitudes and perceptions towards the park and create targeted campaigns to increase support levels.

Attitudes, Engagement and Behaviour

Respondents were asked if their perception of the Eifel National Park has changed since the park was established.

34.5% stated that their perceptions for the national park is more positive since its establishment
11.4% reported that their perception is more negative.

73% of respondents believed that ‘most people’ or ‘everyone’ follow the rules and regulations for the protection of biodiversity in the National Park
91.2% of participants reported that they follow the smoking and open fires ban
87.6% follow a ban to forage mushrooms, berries or flowers
Only 58.4% reported that they keep to designated paths most of the time
13.7% had been a member of a nature conservation non-Governmental organisation in the past 12 months

Social Impacts

Respondents were asked if they are personally affected by the National Park.

55.9% claim that the park influences how they spend their spare time
9.3% state it affects them professionally, for example as hosts of holiday homes
28.5% report they do not see an impact on their personal lives

Respondents were also asked if they believed benefits to be equally distributed between locals and visitors

55.9% agreed that benefits were equally distributed
29.7% believed that benefits were mainly enjoyed by visitors

Social impacts infographic with the text: 90% Agreed that it helps with the reputation of the region. 68.7% Agreed that it helps them connect with nature. 76.7% Agreed that it has a positive impact on tourism. 33.4% Felt that there is a negative impact from traffic. 54.7% Consider that there is a negative impact on prices. 35.1% Felt that it had a negative impact on their freedom of movement.

Sociodemographics

Highest level of trust was expressed for the Eifel National Park Authority.
The state government and the federal government were not trusted as much by respondents.
Approximately 60% of the sample also mentioned that the area of the Eifel national park means a lot to them (place attachment).
over 80% of the sample stated strong biospheric values
80% of respondents expect other users to behave responsibly when in Eifel national park

Social capital infographic with the text: 91% Agreed that it is important to live in harmony with other species. 80% Agreed that it is important to fit in with nature. 73.7% Agreed that we need to have equal opportunities for everyone. 57.7% Agreed that the area of Eifel National Park means a lot to them. 30.9% Agreed that we need to live in harmony with nature. 15.5% Agreed that it is important to be wealthy.

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