Perceptions of Ecosystem Services and Bonds with Nature : The Case of Fish-Farming Ponds in France

We study to what extent people feel concerned by the conservation of the ecosystem services related to fish ponds. We analyze the types of services prioritized according to the profiles of the individuals and the factors determining this sensitivity. The analysis is based on an online survey carried out with 1,006 people across the territory of metropolitan France. The analysis distinguishes between individual ESs that are more hedonic in nature, and patrimonial or regulation ESs that relate to more collective motivations that can be related more to eudaimonic well-being. This distinction allows to characterize different motivations for the conservation of ecosystems. The typology shows the structuring role of the emotions felt (pleasure, well-being) and the role on health, but also the intrinsic value of nature and individual commitment to the protection of the environment. The modeling shows the little influence of the usual socio-demographic variables and the strong significance of variables taking account of the knowledge and familiarity with these ecosystems and the commitment to the environment which refers to the components of eudaimonic well-being. These results allow to discuss the specificities, support and awareness policies that imply a rationale of active citizenship