Stakeholder perspectives on pondscapes a multinational analysis using storylines and the Nature Futures Framework

Ponds and pondscapes are crucial habitats for biodiversity and provide significant ecosystem services and socio-cultural benefits. However, effective management of these habitats requires an in-depth evaluation of how stakeholders perceive them and interact with them. This study aims to explore stakeholder relationships with their local ponds and pondscapes to better understand their interactions, expectations, concerns, and perspectives, ultimately informing more effective conservation and management strategies. Using stakeholder storylines and the Nature Futures Framework (NFF), we analyzed data gathered from participatory workshops in eight countries (United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and Uruguay). Thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes regarding stakeholders’ interactions, conservation expectations, climate change concerns, and management preferences related to local ponds and pondscapes across different countries. In addition, descriptive analysis was used to assess the different values that stakeholders assigned to ponds, including their ecological, cultural, and socio-economic significance. Our findings reveal a multifaceted relationship between stakeholders and pondscapes, deeply influenced by local socio-ecological contexts, including cultural heritage, biodiversity, recreation, and climate change concerns. Despite regional differences, stakeholders universally acknowledged the urgent need for sustainable conservation practices, envisioning future pondscapes that are resilient to climate change, rich in biodiversity, and capable of supporting diverse ecological and societal functions. Our study underscores the importance of integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives into pondscape management to foster more context-sensitive and sustainable conservation efforts that safeguard these vital habitats worldwide.