Garau, Enrica ， Solino, Mario ， Castro, Antonio J.
2026-04-16 JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 2026 69(卷), 5(期), (1270-1290页)
Landscape preferences refer to the subjective likes and dislikes people have regarding various types of landscapes. However, the specific role that emotions play in this question and their impact on influencing choices for landscape is still poorly studied. To address this gap, we hypothesise that landscapes evoke emotions and we explore whether they have a role in shaping landscape preferences. Using 109 semi-structured interviews we captured the diversity of emotions on different landscapes in SE Spain, employing a random parameter logit model to explain how emotions could influence the probability of choosing a landscape. Results revealed that different landscapes were perceived as preferred, with specific emotions associated with them. Results also showed that two main factors significantly influenced landscape preference choices: specific positive emotions and distinct landscape typologies. These insights may contribute to reframe human-nature relationships in landscape management, considering emotional bonds and human behaviour as important aspects for guiding conservation policies.