An Integrated Moral Obligation Model for Landowner Conservation Norms |
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| Authors: | Amit K Pradhananga Mae A Davenport David C Fulton Geoffrey M Maruyama Dean Current |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA;2. U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA;3. Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA;4. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA;5. Center for Integrated Natural Resource and Agricultural Management, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA |
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| Abstract: | This study applies an integrated moral obligation model to examine the role of environmental and cultural values, and beliefs in the activation of landowner conservation norms. Data for this study were collected through a self-administered survey of riparian landowners in two Minnesota watersheds: Sand Creek and Vermillion River watersheds. Study findings suggest that collectivistic and biospheric–altruistic values form the bases for the activation of personal norms. Further, beliefs about local responsibility and ability to act influence personal norms to protect water resources. Findings suggest that landowners’ personal norms of water conservation are more likely to be activated by conservation strategies that appeal to biospheric–altruistic and collectivistic values, emphasize adverse consequences of water pollution, highlight water resource protection as a local responsibility, and provide the resources needed to protect water resources. |
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| Keywords: | Human dimensions pro-environmental behavior social dilemma watershed management |
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