The role of pondscapes in supporting identities

Abstract This study investigates how pondscapes, networks of ponds, and their surrounding environments contribute to supporting identities across diverse cultural contexts. Supporting identities is a non-material Nature’s Contribution to People referring to people’s sense of place, belonging and connection to nature. We draw on data on landscape features from 17 pondscapes across eight countries in Europe and South America, along with over 700 questionnaire responses. We assessed whether certain landscape features are associated with the perceived delivery of supporting identities and examined how personal characteristics, individual perspectives, and engagement in different activities shape people’s perceptions. Our findings indicate that the perceived delivery of supporting identities emerges from a combination of social and ecological factors rather than from landscape features alone. Although pondscape characteristics showed weak direct effects, pondscapes in warmer climates and with a higher proportion of natural land cover might be associated with a stronger sense of identity. In addition, a strong personal connection to nature and engagement in nature-based activities (wildlife watching, picnicking, hunting), were key pathways shaping perceptions, highlighting that identity-related benefits are context dependent and socially mediated. By integrating ecological and social dimensions, our study highlights the importance of incorporating non-material values into conservation and landscape management strategies.