Public Perceptions of the Attractiveness of Restored Nature

Abstract

Ecological restoration efforts often encounter public resistance. Recreational visitors resist imposition of restoration efforts they fear may result in a visually unattractive area.Public support is, however, essential for restoration efforts on public lands. This study seeks insight into hiker perceptions of perceived attractiveness of nature before and after efforts to restore exotic conifer plantations to native communities containing bog and wet forest communities. Visitors (N = 247) to a Dutch National Park sorted 32 photographs depicting landscapes before and after restoration efforts. Findings show that the most attractive landscape types (bog and wet forest communities containing visible water) are results of restoration efforts and the least attractive landscape types (young deciduous and coniferous forest) are representative of traditional nature before restoration. However, the "middle category" consists of landscape types existing both before and after restoration efforts. Visitors value old coniferous and old deciduous forests as much as products of restoration that lack water. These perceptions are unrelated to either visitor characteristics or the provision of information to visitors explaining restoration goals. The continued existence of resistance to restoration strategies despite their effect on perceived landscape attractiveness implies that the experience of nature has more than only visual dimensions. We expect that more acceptable results of restoration efforts will emerge from the active engagement of the public before restoration practices take place in processes that specifically address feelings of attachment and resistance to change.

Utilitarian and nonutilitarian valuation of natural resources: a game‐theoretical approach

“…Our analysis demonstrates the game‐theoretical characteristics of public support for such projects not only with respect to utilitarian considerations but also to nonutilitarian consideration. In addition, our survey makes clear that these considerations can be measured and proactively used for presenting and adjusting restoration projects in accordance with the perceptions, preferences, and attitudes of local people (see also Buijs et al ; Van Marwijk et al ). In addition to measures to regulate access and utilization of such areas (e.g.…”

Student Outcomes of Eco-Restoration Service-Learning Experiences in Urban Woodlands

“…In fact, a conservation ethic can be created in a community by connecting participants with nature through eco-restoration experiences (Leigh, 2005). The development of social capital (Higgs, 2003), community resilience (Schroeder, 2000; Tidball & Stedman, 2013), economic benefits (Aronson et al, 2010), and improved aesthetics for outdoor activities (van Marwijk et al, 2012) are among other potential community benefits of eco-restoration projects. Benefits of eco-restoration projects for individuals include a sense of accomplishment through meaningful work, protecting the environment, learning, and meeting like-minded people (Grese et al, 2000; Miles et al, 1998).…”

Restoration perceptions and collaboration challenges under severe water scarcity: the Aculeo Lake process

“…Past, current, and future appropriation of the ecosystem will affect society's perceived long‐term goods and benefits from the ecological restoration, as well as their opinion and support over the importance of public investment in such an effort (Brancalion et al 2014). Especially when stakeholders have manifested differences about the problem definition (Fuller 2009), and differ in aspirations over the land to be restored (Hobbs 2016), getting the public support required for successful restoration efforts can be complex (Van Marwijk et al 2012). Therefore, understanding what stakeholders value and why they value it in the site to be restored can help scientists and practitioners to plan appropriate management interventions (e.g.…”