Public perceptions of forests across Italy: an exploratory national survey

In a context of progressive expansion of the Italian forest area, we present the results of a national survey exploring public perception of forests across different geographical scales in Italy. Perceptions of forests are assessed in relation to popular beliefs on relevant environmental issues such...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IForest (Viterbo) 2020-08, Vol.13 (1), p.323-328
Main Authors: Carrus, G, Panno, A, Aragones, JI, Marchetti, M, Motta, R, Tonon, G, Sanesi, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity
Climate change
Cohesion
environmental attitudes
Environmental education
environmental issues
forest perceptions
Forest products
Forests
nature experience
Perceptions
Polls & surveys
Psychology
Public opinion
Social construction
Society
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Summary:In a context of progressive expansion of the Italian forest area, we present the results of a national survey exploring public perception of forests across different geographical scales in Italy. Perceptions of forests are assessed in relation to popular beliefs on relevant environmental issues such as countering climate change, protecting biodiversity, and promoting social cohesion and environmental education. Participants (N = 1059) living in five different regions of Northern (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Piemonte), Central (Lazio, Molise) and Southern Italy (Puglia), were recruited in the survey and completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Survey questions regarded the estimated percentage of forest cover, the perceived importance of different environmental issues and of different material and non-material forest products, as well as participants’ perceptions regarding connectedness to nature. Results revealed a generalized tendency to overestimate the extension of forest surface area in the participants’ region, in Italy, and in the European Union. Results also showed high scores for participants’ perceived importance of environmental issues, such as climate change and biodiversity protection, and in their belief that forests could play a positive role in addressing these issues and providing important outcomes and benefits for the quality of human life, such as health and well-being or social cohesion.
ISSN:1971-7458
1971-7458
DOI:10.3832/ifor3394-013