The other side of the border: Austrian local residents’ attitudes towards the neighbouring Czech Šumava National Park

Abstract

Attitudes towards protected areas are seen as a key factor in influencing their success. While the majority of park–people relation research has addressed local residents’ attitudes towards protected areas in their own country, analyses on their attitudes towards a neighbouring national park on the other side of the border have rarely been carried out. This study investigated the attitudes of local residents in Upper Austria towards the Czech Šumava National Park. In 2008, residents (N=468) of four rural communities bordering the Šumava National Park answered a mailed questionnaire. Compared to national parks in general, the Šumava National Park was perceived as not providing as many ecological, social, and economic benefits as others. Psychological reactance, past visits to the Šumava National Park, and attitudes towards landscape change and national parks in general predicted attitudes towards the Šumava National Park, while group membership, except for that of being a farmer, was not significant. Variables that have been previously identified as influencing the attitudes of local residents towards protected areas also seem to be relevant for protected areas on the other side of the border, while items addressing local trans-border issues and group membership appear to be less important. Management implications are discussed.