Results and analysis script from a discrete choice experiment assessing public preferences for rewilding in the Oder Delta

1. Rewilding is an emerging paradigm in restoration science, and is
increasingly gaining popularity as a cost-effective ecosystem restoration
option. A rewilding framework was recently proposed that contains three
integral components: restoring trophic complexity, allowing for stochastic
disturbances, and enhancing species’ potential to disperse. However, as of
yet, there has been limited quantitative analysis looking at public
preference for rewilding and each of its elements. 2. We used a discrete
choice experiment approach to determine public preference for rewilding in
the Oder Delta. The unique geographical context of the Oder Delta,
spreading evenly across two countries, allowed us to analyze differences
between the German (n = 1,005) and Polish (n = 1,066) samples. 3. In both
countries, we found respondents were willing to pay for rewilding
interventions when compared against a status quo option. Notably,
preferences were strongest for restoring trophic complexity through
promoting the comeback of large mammals. 4. In addition, we found
respondents living locally to the study region had significantly different
preferences than the nationwide samples, exhibiting negative willingness
to pay for the restoration of natural flooding regimes and the presence of
large predator species.