Value orientations and beliefs contribute to the formation of a marine conservation personal norm
In: Journal for Nature Conservation. Elsevier: Jena. ISSN 1617-1381; e-ISSN 1618-1093, more
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| Keyword |
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| Author keywords |
Beliefs; Human dimensions; Instrumental; Intrinsic; Ocean; Relational |
| Authors | | Top |
- Engel, M.
- Vaske, J.J.
- Bath, A.J.
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| Abstract |
Direct exploitation of resources, climate change, and land pollution drive marine degradation. Influencing these drivers are political, cultural and economic systems, which are guided by people’s values, beliefs, and behaviours. To tackle this conservation challenge and make oceans more sustainable, we need to understand how people think and act in relation to marine issues. This article examined marine value orientations, beliefs and personal norms. Self-administered questionnaires were randomly delivered to coastal residents in Newfoundland, Canada (n = 776, response rate = 49 %). The structural equation model predicted 86 % of the variance in personal norms. Newfoundland residents felt a moral obligation to act in favour of a healthy ocean when they care for the ocean (relational value), felt responsible for their actions, and were aware of the negative impacts of humans can have on marine environments. Relational, instrumental, and intrinsic value orientations were also related to knowledge of human impacts on the ocean. The results imply that efforts aimed at inspiring people to engage in sustainable behaviours should be grounded on relational values, such as care and concern for the ocean. |
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