Aesthetic preference for a Swiss alpine landscape: The impact of different agricultural land-use with different biodiversity

To counter the loss of agro-biodiversity, Swiss farmers can qualify for area-related direct payments by managing part of their utilized land (at least 7%) as so-called ecological compensation areas (ECAs). However, little is know how changing farming practices influence the scenic beauty of a landscape in view of the public. Such knowledge is especially valuable in regions that are significant tourist destinations and places of recreation. This paper investigates, with the help of 16 simulated colour images of a typical landscape in the Eastern Central Alps, the impact of different agricultural land-use (grassland, arable land), grassland management intensity (high, low, mixed), and abundance of ECAs on perceived scenic beauty by 202 non-alpine Swiss residents. Respondents rated each landscape by attractiveness, and characterized their most liked and disliked landscape. Landscapes covered with low-intensively managed, species-rich grassland and further ECAs such as single locally adapted tree species and hedges were rated highest, most often selected as best liked, and characterized as diverse, species-rich and worthy of preservation. Mere production landscapes with a mixture of high-intensity, species-poor grassland and arable land, and few ECAs were rated lowest, most often selected as disliked, and characterized as boring, although productive. The presence of arable land, once a typical element in Swiss alpine landscapes, generally reduced scenic beauty, although older people and environmental organisation members responded more positive to its presence. The results indicate that agro-environment schemes can positively influence the aesthetic quality of a region which, in consequence, might have a positive impact on tourism.