Perceived Social Impacts of Protected Areas, Their Influence on Local Public Support and Their Distribution across Social Groups: Evidence from the Eifel National Park, Germany, during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Protected Areas are a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation policies, providing significant benefits both for nature and people. 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.

Using Big Data to Assess Park System Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A growing body of literature suggests that parks can provide recreational, social, and health benefits to communities and are imperative to urban dwellers [1][2][3][4][5][6]. However, the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had drastically compromised the accessibility and operational capacity of urban parks [7][8][9]. It greatly jeopardized physical activities and social interactions across countries [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Challenges to Protected and Conserved Areas: Wicked Solutions Needed for Wicked Problems

“…Some of the challenges raised are related to diverse uses of PCAs and the various stakeholder needs that must be balanced in contemporary PCA management. McGinlay and colleagues [19] emphasized the need to recognize and adjust management to offset trade-offs between increased tourism and the well-being of local residents, while Rusvai and colleagues [20] demonstrated that assisted hunting and conservation goals need to be jointly managed. Maretti and colleagues [21] also emphasize the importance of the social context and governance issues and promote enhanced collaborative conservation.…”