Urban and peri-urban forests (UPUFs) are essential components of urban landscapes that offer multiple benefits to local communities, above all to those who live in large cities. This realization has fueled the interest of the scientific community in understanding citizens’ attitudes and perceptions towards UPUFs, focusing on the diverse ecosystem services they provide in social and environmental terms. However, less attention has been paid to the citizens’ perceptions and attitudes about UPUFs in relation to their willingness to participate in their governance. This quantitative study aims to address this gap by identifying the main factors that affect citizens’ participation in UPUFs governance. Conducted in large Italian Metropolitan Functional Urban Areas, composed of a city and its commuting zone, with a population above 500,000 inhabitants, this study provides valuable insights into citizens’ willingness to participate in UPUFs governance. Results indicate that citizens' socio-demographic factors (especially education, age, and income) and the frequency of visits impact their perception of UPUFs. High positive perceptions of environmental quality and low perceptions of the negative impact of UPUFs promote active participation in governance, especially among young citizens with heightened green space sensitivity, among those dissatisfied with current green space management and those advocating for effective communication campaigns. These findings can provide a practicable scientific reference for municipalities to refine their corresponding decision-making and communication, and to devise effective urban forest programs.

中文翻译：

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绿色种植：探索公民参与意大利城市和城郊造林治理的驱动因素


城市和城郊森林 （UPUF） 是城市景观的重要组成部分，为当地社区提供了多种好处，尤其是对生活在大城市的人们。这一认识激发了科学界对了解公民对 UPUF 的态度和看法的兴趣，重点关注它们在社会和环境方面提供的多样化生态系统服务。然而，公民对 UPUF 的看法和态度与他们参与治理的意愿相关的关注较少。本定量研究旨在通过确定影响公民参与 UPUF 治理的主要因素来解决这一差距。本研究在意大利大都市功能城区进行，由城市及其通勤区组成，人口超过 500,000 人，为公民参与 UPUF 治理的意愿提供了有价值的见解。结果表明，公民的社会人口因素（尤其是教育、年龄和收入）和访问频率会影响他们对 UPUF 的看法。对环境质量的高度积极看法和对 UPUF 负面影响的低看法促进了对治理的积极参与，尤其是在对绿色空间高度敏感的年轻公民、对当前绿色空间管理不满的人以及倡导有效沟通活动的人中。这些发现可为城市完善相应的决策和沟通，并制定有效的城市森林规划提供可行的科学参考。