The influence of river regulation on the affinity for nature and perceptions of local populations

Rivers are powerful systems supporting human civilization, but despite the enormous dependence on rivers by humans, this does not stop them to assault rivers in the most varied ways. Such dependency determines the establishment of strong river flow-human relationships, and river degradation the prompting of health and non-tangible complications for humans. This work assesses how river regulation, interacting with sociodemographic characteristics, influences the affinity for nature and the perception of humans regarding its effects on river systems. Increased affinity for nature and clearer perceptions about the effects of river regulation improve emotive connection with nature and promote pro-environmental concerns towards a more sustainable water management. Two case studies were selected with different river regulation types (run-of-river and storage reservoir). In each one, the affinity for nature and social perceptions were assessed via telephone-assisted questionnaire surveys carried out in 2020 using 402 randomly selected numbers of local human communities living in its influence areas. Results showed that despite river regulation, communities remain connected to the river system with well-established flow-human relationships. Nonetheless, these relationships have changed due to socioeconomic and cultural changes over time. Significant differences were found in educational attainment and age regarding the affinity for nature. On the other hand, gender differs significantly regarding both the affinity for nature and how the river regulation affect perception, highlighting a gender gap motivated by social and cultural customs passed throughout generations. The lower education level of women and less frequent use of the river acts as a barrier to their perception of river ecosystems and the regulation effects. The affinity for nature and the perception of ecosystems changes by local populations were also significantly different according to the river regulation type, where residents near the run-of-river dam present less affinity for nature. Notwithstanding, the perceptions of local communities were in general in accordance with the scientific knowledge on rivers' condition. Finally, this work highlights the necessity for education through schools, local communities, municipalities and families, providing conditions for dedication and time to nature and promoting environmental knowledge through direct experience.