Influence of residents' place attachment on heritage forest conservation awareness in a peri-urban area of Guangzhou, China

This study explored the role of community place attachment on heritage forest (feng shui woodland) conservation awareness in the peri-urban areas of Guangzhou. Questionnaire surveys were administered to glean the views of the local residents living near heritage forests. The results suggested that residents' place attachment was significantly associated with positive perceptions, attitudes and ecologically responsible behaviours towards the heritage forests in their community. The findings revealed that traditional and cultural aspects can be an important focus of attention for local residents with higher levels of place attachment, as heritage forests offer not only ecosystem services but also feng shui value—a traditional vernacular belief in South China. This study clearly demonstrated that cultural bonding can be an important element in facilitating the environmental awareness of the local residents regarding heritage forest conservation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.