Assessing Management Perceptions Linked to a Flagship Species: A New Approach to Increase Landscape Management Legitimacy and Support

Integrated socio-ecological decision-making is important in improving legitimacy in management decisions through effective solutions that avert conflicts. This research examined social perceptions in landscape planning and management with regard to the Greater flamingo, a flagship species along the southern French Coast. A strategic delivery to a cross-section in a social catchment (n = 87) captured the perception and the recognition of management strategies through a survey questionnaire. Analysis was conducted through a multi-method approach, triangulating qualitative and quantitative results. Results show the importance of the attachment to flamingos in local landscapes. Knowledge on flamingo ecology was relatively high and participants perceived some of the regional management options to be unfavorable for flamingos. Participants identified threats to the species and expressed concern for the future of the flamingos, challenging the legitimacy of some landscape management decisions and planning policies. This research demonstrates the role of flagship species in stimulating reflection on landscape management, addressing both the ecological and human dimensions. Understanding social perceptions of biodiversity management objectives is fundamental for effective coastal conservation.