Exploring local public support for protected areas: What social factors influence stated and active support among local people?

This paper explores local public support for nature protected areas (PAs) to identify primary social factors explaining support. The model was built and tested using survey data collected from approximately 2300 individuals living inside or near six Protected Areas in five different European countries both face-to-face online methods. Results show that perceived impacts are a key consistent predictor of the level stated support, despite wide range potential impacts. Also important is strength person’s sense place attachment PA landscapes area, as well institutional trust. Other were only significant at some sites indicating importance context. indicated linked with pro-environmental behaviour when supportive attitudes ecological effectiveness. link between volunteering less clear this also influenced by other factors. intended inform theoretical understanding affecting but step towards developing predictive tool practitioners taking into consideration broader assessing highlighting problem action. As new ambitious biodiversity conservation targets set internationally, our study will be useful researchers regarding what future management approaches policies need focus on order maximise minimize conflicts PAs increase behaviour.