Volume 105, September 2014, Pages 19–30
Analysis
- a University of Freiburg, Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chair for Landscape Management, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- b University of Copenhagen, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- c University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Organic Farming, Working Group Knowledge Systems and Innovation, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Received 11 October 2013, Revised 2 May 2014, Accepted 19 May 2014, Available online 7 June 2014
Highlights
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- We explore perceived linkages between landscapes and human well-being.
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- Short interviews with 262 respondents in four study sites have been carried out.
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- Nonmaterial benefits and values play an outstanding role.
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- Practices and experiences are formative for perceived well-being.
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- Results fit with the cultural values model, less with the ecosystem services concept.
Abstract
Human
well-being is tightly linked to the natural environment. Although this
notion is well-established, it remains difficult to assess how the
biophysical features of a specific area contribute towards the
well-being of the people attached to it. We explore this topic using the
case of four areas in Germany and Austria by performing open,
single-question interviews with 262 respondents. Data reveal an
outstanding relevance of nonmaterial values. Linkages between landscapes
and human well-being are tied to specific features of the material
environment but, likewise, practices and experiences play an important
role in the creation and acknowledgment of such values. Our results
accord with the conceptual outline of the cultural values model but fit
to a lesser degree into the ecosystem services framework. Due to the
high relevance of experiential factors, providing manifold opportunities
for people to engage with their natural surroundings should be
considered a strategy for fostering human well-being.
Keywords
- Cultural ecosystem services;
- Landscape values;
- Black Forest;
- Swabian Alb;
- Upper Lusatia;
- Hohe Tauern
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+ 49 761 203 9484.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
