Rupf Reto

Alpine soundscapes: sounds and their consequences for perceived recreational quality – A case study of two Regional Nature Parks – Beverin Nature Park and Parc Ela in Switzerland

Project Number: Parcs Data Center 52887 / 4D CH-7405

Project Type:	Research_Project
Project Duration:	01/01/2022 - ?
Funding Source:	other ,
Leading Institution:	ZHAW Wädenswil
Project Leader:	Prof. Reto Rupf Head Centre Nature Management Geoecology Institut Umwelt & Natürliche Ressourcen (IUNR) ZHAW Grüental - Postfach 335 8820 Wädenswil Phone: +41 (0) 58 934 59 07 ; +41 (0) 58 934 59 10 FAX: +41 (0) 58 934 59 11 e-Mail: reto.rupf(at)zhaw.ch http://www.iunr.zhaw.ch

related to this project.

for which the project has a relevance.

Research Areas:

Landscape

Disciplines:

Science of management

Abstract:
Regional Nature Parks (RNPs) such as the Parc Ela and Beverin Nature Park are popular destinations for outdoor activities and recreation in the Alpine areas of Swit- zerland. As in many other mountain and peripheral regions, their soundscapes are being increasingly influenced by humans. Little is known about which sound types are perceived positively or negatively by visitors in Alpine areas and how sounds affect visitors’ perceived recreational quality. To better understand this relationship, surveys were carried out in four areas of two RNPs, Beverin Nature Park and Parc Ela. Each area included two or three sites with different anthropogenic sound levels. Sounds with anthropogenic origins were found to be rated significantly more nega- tively than sounds with biophonic and geophonic origins. Using linear mixed models, this study confirmed that sound levels had the strongest effect on the perceived quality of visitors’ recreation at sites with similar visual landscape features. Sites with low levels of anthropogenic sounds were perceived as having the least impact on recreational quality. However, no significant difference in the impact of sounds on perceived recreational quality was found between medium and high sound levels, indicating that there could be a threshold between 33.7 and 38.6 dBA above which noise has a negative impact on recreational quality.

Publications:
Ferrari, R., Rupf, R., Reutz, B. (2023): Alpine soundscapes: sounds and their consequences for perceived recreational quality – A case study of two Regional Nature Parks – Beverin Nature Park and Parc Ela in Switzerland. eco.mont – Volume 15, Number 2, July 2023: 4-12.
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Last update: 8/7/23
Source of data: ProClim- Research InfoSystem (1993-2024)
Update the data of project: CH-7405

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