Weaving relational values around a threatened river landscape: bundles, interrelations, and social drivers from northern Chile

Relational values (RVs) emphasize the collective, cultural, and affective dimensions of human–nature relationships, yet their assessment remains limited. Advancing the empirical and methodological understanding of RVs is crucial to foster more plural and adaptive governance of social-ecological systems. This study examines how RVs are structured, expressed, and socially differentiated within a threatened landscape in Latin America. Using 201 surveys with local residents, we identified 21 categories of RVs, including 14 consistent with established frameworks and seven emerging from the local context, and analyzed their structure, co-occurrence, and social determinants through multiple correspondence analysis and generalized linear model. Three main bundles of values emerged: (1) Identity–Therapeutic–Aesthetic, highlighting the river as a source of belonging, emotional well-being, and inspiration; (2) Cultural–Patrimonial–Political, emphasizing collective memory, traditions, and resistance; and (3) Symbolic/Religious–Care/Memory, reflecting sacred meanings alongside ecological stewardship and remembrance. These bundles reveal how emotional well-being, heritage, and spirituality intertwine with political struggle and stewardship practices. Generational, educational, and relational variables shaped the distribution of values, underscoring the role of social networks and conflicts in shaping perceptions. By integrating exploratory, associative, and inferential approaches, this study contributes to the methodological framework to empirically assess the plurality and contextuality of relational values. Our findings demonstrate that recognizing and weaving diverse relational perspectives into ecosystem governance enhance cultural legitimacy and social inclusion, key components for sustainability in complex social-ecological systems.