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Perceiving Change: Local Perspectives on Ecological Transformation and Sustainability Dynamics in the Alpine Lake
Chiara Mazzocchi1, Simone Manna2
1Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Production, Territory, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. chiara.mazzocchi1@unimi.it.
Environmental Management
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Stakeholders in Lake Idro perceive ecological improvements due to water level changes but worry new hydraulic projects could harm sustainability and tourism. Local perceptions are key for effective water governance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Limnology
- Social Science
Background:
- Regulated deep lakes face ecological, infrastructural, and socio-economic pressures.
- Research often overlooks stakeholder perceptions of ecological change and sustainability in these systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine stakeholder interpretations of environmental change, water governance, and sustainability in Lake Idro.
- To integrate limnological data with qualitative stakeholder insights.
Main Methods:
- Documentary and scientific evidence review.
- Focus group and semi-structured interviews with 21 diverse stakeholders.
- Inductive data analysis using the Gioia methodology.
Main Results:
- Two key dimensions emerged: Ecological Perception/Participatory Awareness and Territorial Governance/Local Development.
- Stakeholders noted ecological improvements from reduced water-level fluctuations.
- Concerns exist regarding new hydraulic interventions potentially causing instability and impacting tourism.
Conclusions:
- Perceived ecological improvements and governance conflicts shape local sustainability understandings.
- Effective management of regulated lakes requires integrating scientific evidence with stakeholder perceptions.
- Knowledge exchange, participatory decision-making, and institutional trust are vital for adaptive water governance.
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