Exploring societal perceptions of forests, ecosystem benefits, and restoration
A case study in Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, and Spain
Source: Tanja Esser / Adobe Stock
This study examines how people in different European regions perceive and engage with forests and restoration. Through interviews in Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Serbia/Croatia, and Spain, it reveals contrasting views of forests and shows that past restoration focused mainly on biodiversity and hazard mitigation, overlooking other benefits. The findings highlight the need for inclusive restoration that reflects community values and societal attitudes.
Forests deliver essential ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet restoration efforts often underrepresent how people perceive and interact with these ecosystems. This study investigates public perceptions of forests and restoration in selected regions of Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Serbia/Croatia, and Spain, based on structured interviews with 20 key informants. Thematic analysis identified two main perspectives: forests as “encompassing everything” and forests as “unique places.” The results show that previous restoration initiatives often centred on biodiversity conservation and hazard mitigation, while broader forest benefits and social uses received less attention. The findings emphasise the importance of inclusive, socially informed restoration strategies that integrate community values, ensure broader engagement, and support the implementation of European and global restoration policies.
- Active Restoration
- Implementation
- Social & Stakeholder
- Landowners & Practitioners
- Planners & Implementers
- Policy Actors