Favorable and Adverse Impacts of Dams Constructed on the Nestos River as Perceived by the Residents

Hydropower dams constitute key components of sustainable energy and water resource management, while their long-term operation increasingly depends on social acceptance and local community support. Within this context, the current study investigates residents’ perceptions of the environmental, social, and economic advantages and adverse impacts associated with the operation of the Nestos River dams. It explores the role of the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) phenomenon in shaping local attitudes. Data were collected during 2020–2021, and a stratified random sampling design was applied, involving 1101 residents living in mountainous, semi-mountainous, and lowland areas of the Nestos River basin. Reliability analysis and factor analysis were employed to assess the consistency of responses and identify the underlying factors shaping residents’ perceptions. The results indicate that respondents recognize significant benefits associated with the dams, particularly clean energy production and the creation of lacustrine ecosystems, while simultaneously expressing concerns regarding the disruption of the river’s natural flow, biodiversity degradation, and landscape alteration. The findings also reveal complex, spatially differentiated NIMBY dynamics, suggesting that although dams are perceived as socially beneficial infrastructures, their localized impacts influence community acceptance. Overall, the study highlights the importance of incorporating local perceptions into the planning and management of hydraulic infrastructures and provides evidence supporting socially acceptable and sustainable approaches to existing and future dam projects.