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The Importance of Understanding Local Community Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Nature Conservation

  • Wetlands in the Developing World
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Abstract

Protected Areas (PAs) are an important cornerstone of conservation efforts, which aim to stop habitat and species loss. However, conservation policies must also take into consideration the local community as an integral part of these areas. This study reveals the importance of understanding the local community’s perception of the impact of PAs on their livelihood and development. Here we analyzed the perceptions of 612 respondents living in 15 settlements surrounding two PAs in Serbia: Gornje Podunavlje and Koviljsko-Petrovaradin rit, which include important wetlands along the course of the Danube River. These areas are under protection because they contain undisturbed natural floodplains. Results from this study suggest that local residents have a very positive attitude about the benefits provided by PAs through the protection of resources. They have a very strong sense of belonging to the PA and are willing to contribute to its protection, but they feel excluded. A different approach of management that respects the rights and acknowledges the existence of local residents is required to prevent conflicts and foster mutual respect and benefit-sharing for everyone.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Edward Petri for editing the manuscript for English grammar and usage.

Funding

The research was supported by the project entitled: “Improving the environment in Vojvodina in order to adapt to climate change and reduce the risk of natural disasters” (no. 142-451-3161/2022-01) financed by the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The support was also provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (Grant No. 451-03-68/2022-14/200125).

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  1. Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Sanja Obradović & Vladimir Stojanović

  2. Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

    Dubravka Milić

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  1. Sanja Obradović
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  2. Vladimir Stojanović
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Sanja Obradović, Vladimir Stojanović and Dubravka Milić. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sanja Obradović with contributions from Vladimir Stojanović and Dubravka Milić. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sanja Obradović.

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Obradović, S., Stojanović, V. & Milić, D. The Importance of Understanding Local Community Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Nature Conservation. Wetlands 43, 2 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-022-01652-5

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