RISK PERCEPTION IN AN EXTENSIVE AGRICULTURE HABITAT FROM NATURE 2000 NETWORK

In order to develop proper communication events, receptor's risk perception needs to be studied. The present paper describes an evaluation of the perception of the risk, to general public, farmers and local authorities, in a cereal steppe in Castro Verde, southern Portugal (Alentejo). This area is included in the European Nature 2000 Network as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wild birds in accordance to the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) due to its importance in the conservation of protected species like the great bustard. Risk perception was assessed with a questionnaire-based survey that was carried out in the municipality of Castro Verde. The agriculture sector showed respondents with better knowledge on precise aspects of the SPA. The generality of respondents from all target groups were more sensitive to risks posed to the SPA by agriculture abandonment, herbicides, illegal hunting and also to death of birds by electrocution when colliding with electric cables and the usage of sewage sludge as soil amendment. An environmental Non-Governmental Organization working in the region seems to be an important source of information about the SPA to local population. This methodology can be extended within the Mediterranean ecoregion where environmental managers have to promote the existence of sustainable - both economic and environmental - extensive agricultural practices.