Resident and Visitor Perceptions of Environmental Hazards and Adaptation Measures on Pelee Island

Small island communities offer environmental resources and rewards such as proximity to nature, but they often have high exposure to environmental hazards. The dialectics of environmental risks/rewards and adaptation benefits/burdens can help understand the dynamics that influence how individuals perceive hazards and adaptation measures. There is limited research on how these constructs apply to small freshwater island communities in Canada. This study investigates: (1) which environmental rewards draw visitors and residents to Pelee Island and how they perceive environmental hazards on the island, and (2) how visitors and residents view responsibility for risk reduction and adaptation. On Pelee Island, thirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents and visitors. These groups were found to have varied values for environmental rewards; however, they both highly value the natural environment. Both groups are willing to face risks to enjoy these environmental rewards, though their reasoning differed. Understanding perceptions of environmental risks can assist these communities in implementing adaptation planning that reflects the values of key stakeholders.