Abstract
Flamingos are flagship species in the Camargue, depending on the unique environment for their feeding and breeding, and, the conservation ethic of the people who share the delta landscape. The iconic status earned by these birds symbolises the environment across the socio-cultural domain in conjunction with the symbolism of utilitarian agricultural species such as cattle (the Camarguese Black Bulls), and cultural symbols capturing social memory over significant cultural time frames. The habitats essential for flamingo breeding and feeding are undergoing drastic change due to significant changes in land-use and management. Identifying the values that impact on the survival of these diverse landscape systems of interconnected socio-ecological values is critical to mediate a resilient future. Changes in social expectations and in the global environment have implications for social, environmental and economic values within these landscapes. This research maps values held by environmental experts and land managers, showing the consequences of contesting value frames in spatial context. We expose the range of social values that contribute to planning, use and management. The implications of socially-defined landscape values demonstrate the importance of incorporating a more comprehensive approach to successful conservation engagement through integrating social perspectives in land-use planning.