A methodological approach for integrating human emotions in protected areas management: Insights from SE Spain

•We found a research gap on the role of emotions in the management of protected areas.•We proposed a spatial methodological approach to integrate human emotions in protected areas.•Emotional relationships between people and protected areas are analysed using an Emotional Nonparametric Relation Index (ENRI)•We found a strong correlation between the emotional pattern, the level of protection, and the aridity gradient of protected areas.•Integrating the emotional dimension into protected areas management can inform conservation efforts.