Perceptions and preferences of the local population in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace National Park in Greece

In order to achieve socially acceptable management solutions, a survey of the local population of the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in Greece was carried out. With the use of an appropriate questionnaire, face-to-face interviews were performed. The survey aimed to: (1) involve the local population in decision-making by classifying the issues to be studied according to the importance they have for the ecosystem inhabitants, e.g., regarding people's income, and landscape aesthetics and ecological value; and (2) contribute to an appropriate and representative future management scheme. The investigation concerned local people's socio-economic status, their knowledge about the ecosystem area, their activities in the park area and their opinion about the ecosystem assets and services. Among the outcomes, biological factors such as flora and fauna and landscape aesthetics emerged as the most valuable ecosystem assets. Furthermore, the majority of those surveyed were willing to pay for the protection and the proper management of the park area.