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Values, Beliefs, Norms, and Conservation-Oriented Behaviors toward Native Fish Biodiversity in Rivers: Evidence from Four European Countries

  • Carsten Riepe
  • Ulf Liebe
  • Marie Fujitani
  • Sophia Kochalski
  • Øystein Aas
  • Robert Arlinghaus

Abstract

Riverine biodiversity in Europe is under threat from a range of anthropogenic factors. Key to effective biodiversity conservation is the public's willingness to support restoration efforts. Based on value-belief-norm (VBN) theory and using a longitudinal survey design with n = 1,000 respondents per each of four countries (France, Germany, Norway, Sweden) we measured individual conservation-oriented behaviors in natural settings over time (e.g., signing a petition, donating money) that benefit native river fish biodiversity. We also examined sociopsychological determinants of these behaviors. In addition to behavioral intentions and self-reported behaviors, we measured actual behavior (monetary donations). We found broad support for the VBN theory but also relevant cultural diversity. In France, Norway, and Sweden fish value orientations affected conservation-oriented behaviors, whereas in Germany general ecological worldviews had more explanatory power. Conservation-oriented outreach and information campaigns will be most effective when taking between-country differences in the relationship between beliefs and behaviors into account.

Cite this activity

Riepe C., Liebe U., Fujitani M., Kochalski S., Aas Ø. and Arlinghaus R. (2021) Values, Beliefs, Norms, and Conservation-Oriented Behaviors toward Native Fish Biodiversity in Rivers: Evidence from Four European Countries. Society & Natural Resources 34(6): 703-724. 10.1080/08941920.2021.1890865

Details

Research topics
Date 24.05.2021
Journal Society & Natural Resources
Issue 6
Volume 34
Pages 703-724
Open Access Open Access (open)
Open Access Status Open Access (open)
Eprints_link https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/4628
Peer-Reviewed

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