This study examined the potential for Perceived Affective Quality (PAQ; pleasantness, eventfulness, familiarity) soundscape measures developed within urban settings to enrich current soundscape management approaches within protected areas (PAs). Drawing on the premise that people bring experiences from other life contexts into PA settings and PA visitors are increasingly coming from urban areas, research integrated urban visitors’ soundscape perceptions of their home and work acoustic environments with their perceptions of acoustic environments in PAs. Two-phased survey research (n = 333) separated visitors into urban density groups and compared PAQ variables across home, work, and PA contexts. Significant differences resulted, both in ratings of the three acoustic contexts (PA, home, work) for all three PAQ components and between urban density groups. The importance of pleasantness was confirmed across all contexts; however, alone, this dimension lacked sufficient contrast to interpret the complexity of soundscape perceptions, especially considering diverse Healthy Parks, Healthy People (HPHP) visitor experience scenarios and goals. Thus, managers should consider (1) additional PAQ variables that can provide more useful and contrasting information; (2) incorporating methods that integrate PAQ measures across visitors’ different acoustic contexts, and (3) including urban density measures within HPHP research.

This study investigates visitor soundscape perceptions in Queulat National Park (QNP), Chile, to inform biodiversity conservation strategies amid rising anthropogenic pressures. By analyzing responses at two sites—Lagoon and Overlook—during peak tourist periods, this research examines how visitor experiences align with protected area management goals. A one-minute listening exercise was followed up by a survey to gather data on perceived sounds and their appeal. The results highlight the importance of involving visitors in monitoring acoustic environments, providing managers with insights into visitor-perceived soundscape dynamics. Unique QNP ecosystem characteristics emerged, with visitors identifying anthrophonic sounds as problematic, especially at the Lagoon site. Perceptions aligned with management concerns about noise impacts from congestion, showing visitors can discern when soundscapes diverge from protected area objectives. These findings underscore the need to integrate visitor engagement into acoustic monitoring to enhance biodiversity conservation. This study advocates ongoing sound level monitoring, protective policies, and tools derived from visitor input. It promotes protected areas as educational venues in order to deepen connections with local environments through sound recognition and calls for signage to inform visitors about noise impacts. Future research should continue to explore these strategies and the potential of visitor soundscape perceptions to reshape conservation strategies and support biodiversity preservation.

Este estudio exploró las percepciones de los paisajes sonoros de la RNC (Reserva Nacional Coyhaique). Encuestas con visitantes (N = 899), incluyeron datos demográficos y un ejercicio de audición del sonido ambiente. Los resultados demostraron interés y afinidad por el sonido como parte de la experiencia de recreación/turismo, con respuestas generalmente positivas para la mayoría de las diez categorías codificadas (Viento, Pájaros, Insectos, Bosque, Agua, Voces, Gente Pasando, Sonidos Personales, Máquinas, Aviones/Ciudad). Surgieron similitudes y diferencias entre tres grupos de visitantes (lugareños, turistas nacionales, turistas extranjeros), con respecto a la forma en que experimentaron los sonidos. La discusión se centró en: cómo los resultados pueden informar una mejor gestión en la RNC; la forma en que los paisajes sonoros pueden ser utilizados para aumentar la comprensión y el apoyo a sus mandatos; y en posibles iniciativas para fomentar la participación y la gobernanza ciudadana de las Áreas Silvestres Protegidas de Chile.