The naturalness of the Vistula Riverbank's landscape: Warsaw inhabitants' perceptions

Abstract

This paper considers the issue of urban inhabitants' appreciation of the naturalness of the landscape provided that people living in urban areas can benefit from the green space and would like to care more about its protection. This study examines: (1) Warsaw inhabitants' preferences with regard to places to spend free time outdoors; (2) public perception of the advantages and disadvantages of the semi-natural Vistula riverfront; and (3) people's connectedness to nature and willingness to donate funds to modernize the riverfront (N = 630). We applied a questionnaire method based on the computer-assisted web interview. The findings suggest thatWarsaw residents appreciate the naturalness of the landscape at the Vistula riverfront, would not like to take direct responsibility for its condition, and would rather the municipality invest in public spaces. Therefore, the municipality ofWarsaw should work to enhance inhabitants' attachment to the place and build a sense of common responsibility for the protection of the riverfront's natural environment.