Local dynamics of support and resistance to biodiversity conservation: a social representation perspective

Abstract

The local level is where biodiversity loss can be stopped. However, current literature has focused mainly on the conflicts between the legal and local spheres, without paying much attention to the local dynamics in the response to biodiversity conservation laws. This multi-method research, which took place in Natura 2000 sites in the interior Alentejo, Portugal, (1) compares the use by landowners and other residents of complex, hybrid social representations – which simultaneously accommodate arguments in support of and contesting the laws; and (2) analyzes the relationships between representations, the groups that mobilize them, and the intention to publicly support the laws at the local sphere. We discuss the consequences of our findings for social change toward sustainability.