Factors Influencing the Level of Local Participation in Planning and Management of the Planned Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge Biosphere Reserve in Austria

Michael Huber and Arne Arnberger
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Michael Huber: Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, Department of Spatial, Landscape and Infrastructure Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Peter Jordan Strasse 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Arne Arnberger: Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, Department of Spatial, Landscape and Infrastructure Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Peter Jordan Strasse 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: The participation of the local population in the planning and management of biosphere reserves is one of the preconditions for success. While numerous studies underpin its importance, few studies have addressed to what extent participation is desired by local residents and which factors determine the level of participation. A postal survey among local residents ( n = 449) explored factors influencing their willingness to participate in the planning and management of the Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge Biosphere Reserve in Austria before it was officially recognised by UNESCO. By applying the “Theory of Planned Behaviour”, the study found a high willingness to be involved among the local population, but a considerable variance as to what extent. Regression models showed a strong influence of perceived behavioural control and the social environment, whereas the factors identified in previous studies were less relevant. The results show that the readiness to become active seems to be higher than expected by local bodies and more linked to the design of the participatory process or other barriers. The results support the biosphere reserve management in developing appropriate participatory approaches to maximise satisfaction with participation and management success.

Keywords: participation; protected area management; place attachment; behaviour; attitudes; theory of planned behaviour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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