Mālama i ke kai: Exploring psychosocial factors associated with personal and community coral reef conservation behavior on Maui, Hawai‘i
This study examines psychosocial factors driving personal and community coral reef conservation behaviors among coastal users on Maui, Hawai‘i. Findings show natural and civic place attachment, responsibility, concern for reef ecosystems, and response efficacy strongly shape conservation intentions and support voluntary commitments like the Pono Pledge.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Community-based conservation
- Social Sciences
Abstract
Local and community conservation efforts can increase coral reefs' capacity to adapt to climate change. In this community-engaged study, we examine affective dimensions and other psychosocial factors associated with coastal user conservation intentions and behaviors on Maui, Hawai‘i. In October and November 2019, we surveyed coastal users (n = 299). We found natural place attachment, sense of responsibility, and concern for coral reef ecosystems were positively associated with personal conservation intentions; civic place attachment was positively associated with community conservation intentions; and natural place attachment was positively associated with signing the Pono Pledge, a voluntary conservation commitment. We found personal and community response efficacy were positively associated with corresponding levels of conservation intentions. Our results provide insights into psychosocial factors that may underpin coral reef conservation behavior and inform partner communications and outreach.
Citations
Santana, F. N., Yurkanin, A., Stark, T. E., Lindsey, E., Ardoin, N. M., & Wong‐Parodi, G. (2023). Mālama i ke kai: Exploring psychosocial factors associated with personal and community coral reef conservation behavior on Maui, Hawai ‘i. Conservation Science and Practice, 5(9), e13002.
TNC Authors
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Alana Yurkanin
The Nature Conservancy
Email: alana.yurkanin@TNC.ORG -
Tiara Starke
The Nature Conservancy
Email: tiara.stark@TNC.ORG