Sepember 12, 2022

The influence of river regulation on the affinity for nature and perceptions of local populations

The RIVEAL project team has published another paperentitled “The influence of river regulation on the affinity for nature and perceptions of local populations” and published in the reputable scientific Journal of Environmental Management. This work assesses how river regulation, interacting with sociodemographic characteristics, influences the affinity for nature and the perception of humans regarding its effects on river systems. Results showed that despite river regulation, local populations remain connected to the river system with well-established flow-human relationships. Nonetheless, these relationships have changed due to socioeconomic and cultural changes over time. The way people affiliates with nature and perceive the effects of river regulation on the fluvial ecosystem is influenced by factors like gender, educational attainment, age and the type of river regulation as well. Notwithstanding, the perceptions of local communities were in general in accordance with the scientific knowledge on rivers’ condition. Finally, this work highlights the necessity for education through schools, local communities, municipalities and families, providing conditions for dedication and time to nature and promoting environmental knowledge through direct experience. Download the paper here.