The attractiveness of forests: preferences and perceptions in a mountain community in Italy

摘要: The analysis of the perception and preferences local commu- nities is a fundamental aspect to increase social sustainability reduce conflicts between forest users. knowledge people's per- ception resources important for decision makers, when imple- menting management strategies this particularly relevant in moun- tainous area, characterized by strong link communities forest. paper focuses on prefer- ences regarding recreational value forests. research has been car- ried out means case study, Municipality Trento, located Centre East sector Italian Alps. This area was chosen grounds its geographical location historical links that exist lo- cal resources. sample included 1,000 randomly selected families method investigation used structured self- reported questionnaire. data were processed taking into account re- lationship main characteristics respondents (gender age); allowed statistical differences among groups be highlighted. Forest attractiveness investigated con- sidering: (i) accessibility, (ii) stand characteristics, (iii) visitor facilities infrastructures. results show people prefer open mixed forests with an irregular structure some such as paths refreshment points. Besides, like have forests, but at same time would these little fre- quented other visitors, order greater feeling naturalness. Keywords public preferences, perception, destination attractiveness, recreation forest, ecotourism,