Perceptions of ecological and aesthetic quality by natural resource professionals and local people. A qualitative exploration in a mountainous landscape (La Rioja, Spain)

Abstract

This research analyses how aesthetic and ecological evaluations of the landscape studied overlap and interrelate in the attitudes of local people and natural resource professionals. The analytical framework adopted, built on Canter’s Theory of Place, explores the people–place relationship by examining the interaction of three components: physical attributes, conceptions and activities. The findings show that the two groups differed in how they ascribed meaning to landscape and how they interpreted its ecological and aesthetic qualities. Both groups expected managed landscape to appear well cared for and to some degree understood this appearance as a sign of good ecological management. However, while they shared a positive perception of some signs of care, they differed in their evaluation of other characteristics. Several implications for landscape management, especially in the detected areas of conflict and synergy, are identified.