Exploring the effects of visit motivation and user experience on perceptions of cultural ecosystem services in botanical garden: A case study of Algiers, Algeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has led to numerous environmental and social challenges, including air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and increased demand for better living conditions and outdoor recreational opportunities. Green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and urban forests, plays a crucial role in enhancing urban quality of life by providing essential ecosystem services and fostering a connection between humans and nature. Botanical gardens are particularly important sites for scientific study, conservation, and recreation. They provide numerous environmental services, including cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, and biodiversity conservation. This study aims to explore the effects of visit motivation and user experience on the perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) in botanical gardens by developing a conceptual model based on a thorough theoretical analysis. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys at the El Hamma Botanical Garden in Algiers and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

The results indicate significant positive direct effect of user experience (β = 0.758; t = 17.309, 95 % CI [0.674, 0.848]) and a significant negative direct effect of motivation (β = −0.130; t = 3.126, 95 % CI [-0.216, −0.041]) on CES perception. These findings confirm that individuals with excellent experiences tend to perceive the benefits of cultural ecosystem services more positively. In contrast, there is a negative effect between visit motivation and the appreciation of cultural ecosystem services, attributed to the lack of recreational activities at the El Hamma Botanical Garden.

These results have important implications for urban garden managers, as they can inform local and national policies on the sustainable management of urban green spaces. This research aligns with the objectives of the Master Plan for Urban Planning and Development (PDAU, 2010–2029) and helps enriching missing empirical data in the North African context. Understanding the role of botanical gardens in urban ecosystems will guide future initiatives to promote sustainable environmental management, enhance the preservation of green spaces, and maximize the benefits derived from them.

Management implication

The study demonstrates a positive effect of user experience (β = 0.758) on the perception of cultural ecosystem services (CES). Effective management of the botanical garden optimizes and enriches visitors' experience, thereby improving their perception of cultural ecosystem services.

The study highlights the importance of diverse recreational offerings to mitigate the negative effect of motivation (β = −0.130) on CES perceptions. The study further suggests that unmet expectations and the absence of leisure facilities can negatively impact CES perceptions, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues in urban contexts.

In the case of Algiers, where recreational alternatives are limited, it is crucial to address these gaps to position botanical gardens as essential contributors to urban CES. To maximize CES benefits, urban botanical gardens must evolve into multifunctional spaces that integrate conservation, recreation, and education. This approach will meet visitor expectations while supporting urban sustainability objectives, particularly in African contexts.