Perceptions of nature's contributions to people across an elevational gradient in eastern Nepal

Abstract Equitable measures for nature conservation require an in‐depth understanding of human‐nature relations. Using qualitative and quantitative data from semi‐structured household surveys, we investigated people's perception of nature's contribution to their perceived well‐being along an elevational gradient in eastern Nepal. We used linear and ordinal regressions to identify the factors influencing these perceptions and qualitative analyses to identify nature's contributions to people (NCP) likely contributing to this well‐being. We found nuanced and context‐specific relationships between people and nature in Nepal, emphasising how geographic location, formal education, socio‐economic factors and gender shape perceptions of how nature contributes to well‐being. Participants provided examples of a variety of material, non‐material and regulating NCP that are crucial for multiple aspects of their well‐being, underscoring the need for integrated conservation approaches that extend beyond prioritising habitat maintenance to also encompass enhancing material and non‐material NCP. While conservation interventions may be informed by global conceptual frameworks and policy agreements such as the IPBES Conceptual Framework, the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Agenda, they must be rooted in the collective perspectives and experiences of the local context in which conservation actually happens. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.