Effects of spatial heterogeneity and temporal shifts in ecological baselines on community perceptions of grassland degradation and restoration

Community engagement is fundamental to the success of ecosystem restoration; yet, local communities' willingness to participate depends heavily on their perceptions of the severity of degradation and urgency of restoration. Using a photo-based survey, we investigated how pastoralists on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau perceive grassland degradation and restoration across ecological systems with differing intrinsic characteristics. Based on an in-person questionnaire survey of 465 respondents, we found that local perceptions of the baseline condition of grasslands, severity of grassland degradation, and urgency of restoration were shaped significantly by intrinsic characteristics of the ecological system. In landscapes with greater topographical heterogeneity, where varied levels of grassland degradation coexist, pastoralists exhibited heightened concern and greater perceived urgency for restoration. In contrast, where ecosystems were characterized by high instability in productivity, respondents had greater tolerance for degradation and unrealistically optimistic expectations for restoration outcomes. Furthermore, our observations confirmed a generational difference consistent with shifting baseline syndrome: young individuals had less direct experience with the grasslands and showed a higher tolerance for degradation than older individuals. However, spatial variation in perceptions driven by the intrinsic characteristics of the local ecological systems was the more dominant influence. Therefore, to enhance community participation and restoration success, we recommend fostering direct engagement with the landscape to cultivate more informed perceptions of ecological degradation. Policy makers and practitioners must recognize perceptual dynamics, promote social learning, and implement adaptive management approaches tailored to local ecological conditions.