Understanding Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Acceptability and Feasibility of Targeted Gardening for Particulate Matter Alleviation in National Coastal Industrial Complexes: Towards Conceptualizing Governance-centered Long-term Management Framework

Growing concern over long-term particulate matter (PM) exposure in coastal industrial complexes highlights limitations in addressing stakeholders’ perceptions of acceptability and feasibility (A&F) for targeted gardening for particulate matter alleviation (TGPMA) as a participatory governance strategy towards long-term management. A perception-based survey conducted in the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, South Korea, used statistical and network analyses to examine these perceptions. Results indicate strong awareness of TGPMA’s necessity and benefits, with high acceptability but limited feasibility—especially regarding community participation and fundraising. Positive perceptions increased willingness to engage, and prior community experience strengthened acceptability, feasibility, and sustained involvement. Five governance challenges emerged: low voluntary participation, weak fundraising, perceptual gaps in monitoring, limited stakeholder responsibility, and uncertain maintenance commitments. A governance-centered framework towards long-term management is proposed, integrating self-governance, business-sector stewardship, multi-sector fundraising, adaptive monitoring, and shared maintenance. The framework underscores the business sector’s dual role as financial contributor and governance partner, enhancing A&F through collaborative responsibility and inclusive decision-making. Although conceptually valuable, this single-site study’s generalizability is limited by self-reported survey data, and the lack of deeper exploration of the business sector in light of the study’s findings. Future research should test the framework across diverse industrial contexts and assess business sector perceptions to advance co-governance for sustainable air quality management.