Ecosystem services in the Alps: visitors’ perceptions of two alpine protected areas

Rota, Noemi and Canedoli, Claudia and Azzimonti, Oscar Luigi and Nagendra, Harini and Padoa-Schioppa, Emilio (2025) Ecosystem services in the Alps: visitors’ perceptions of two alpine protected areas. Ecosystems and People, 21 (1). ISSN 2639-5908

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Abstract

Understanding users’ perception of natural areas and their ecosystem services is crucial for managers and policy makers as it directly informs decisions that balance conservation efforts with public acceptance. The alpine areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change, making it critical to understand how visitors perceive these areas to develop management strategies that minimize conflicts, helping to ensure long-term support for environmental protection. This study explores the perceptions of 21 ecosystem services – including cultural, regulating and provisioning services – among visitors of two protected alpine areas in Italy. We distributed 3,399 questionnaires to evaluate visitors’ perceptions of the importance of key ecosystem services, their awareness of the ecosystem services concept and any shifts in perception due to COVID-19, as the study took place during an ease of restrictions caused by the pandemic. Additionally, we explored the relationship between perceptions and demographic factors. Results showed that visitor strongly perceived the importance of the aesthetic value of the landscape and biodiversity conservation. Perception of the overall importance of ES was strongly correlated with demographic factors, such as gender, age and a connection to outdoor and naturalistic activities. Visitors who were already aware of the ES concepts exhibited higher perceptions compared to those who did not acknowledge them, suggesting the need for targeted communication strategies to extend the awareness of the ES concept. This data provides critical insights for managers and policymakers to tailor communication efforts, fostering greater public awareness and support for the benefits provided by protected natural areas.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Rota, Noemi and Canedoli, Claudia and Azzimonti, Oscar Luigi and Nagendra, Harini and Padoa-Schioppa, Emilio
Document Language:	Language English
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gran Paradiso National Park, Adamello Regional Park, tourism, mountain areas, conservation
Subjects:	Social sciences Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology > Ecology
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Climate Change and Sustainability
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/6906
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2025.2451274

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