Perception and satisfaction of visitors regarding the recreation and tourism ecosystem service at Los Pantanos de Villa, Peru: a multidimensional approach

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/SS-0701-2026-e142

Keywords:

Avian Diversity, Coastal Wetland, Environmental Conservation, Protected Natural Area, Remote Sensing, Urban Ecology

Abstract

The Los Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (RVSPV), located on the central coast of Peru, provides critical ecosystem services as a habitat for avifauna and as urban recreational spaces. This study analyzed the relationship between visitors' perceptions of ecological, aesthetic, and cultural values, their satisfaction levels, and the site's objective ecological condition. Adopting a cognitive-affective approach, a structured survey was conducted (n = 239; October–December 2024), complemented by Landsat 8 satellite imagery analysis to obtain the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and avian diversity monitoring data (Shannon, Simpson, and Margalef). The NDVI indicated a moderate vegetation state (0.33–0.66); nonetheless, public perception was highly positive: 90.6% of visitors considered the vegetation well-preserved, and 94.7% reported satisfaction associated with the flora. All three circuits exhibited high avian diversity, with the Genesis circuit standing out as the most biodiverse. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) revealed that satisfaction and environmental valuation constitute the primary dimension of the experience (46.2% inertia), while the sociodemographic profile explains 35.0%. Results indicate that maximum satisfaction is clustered among visitors over 40 years old, whereas younger sectors (18-32 years) show more neutral perceptions. It is concluded that the recreational experience is influenced by aesthetic attributes that transcend technical environmental conditions, suggesting the need for differentiated communication strategies to strengthen the conservation of this strategic ecosystem.

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Published

2026-03-30