Conservation Campaigns Research Articles

Environmental Activism: Analyzing the Attitudes of Eco-Friendly Consumers

This study aims to examine the influence of environmental knowledge and environmental concern on environmental attitude and environmental activism. Environmental degradation, caused by various factors, is a critical issue that necessitates investigation. Knowledge is an essential aspect, while environmental concern represents the willingness to take action. This research employs a quantitative approach to test these variables with a sample size of 259 individuals who are environmentally conscious and engage in eco-friendly activities, both personally and through campaigns. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to the Indonesian public, who generally require greater literacy on environmental sustainability. The results indicate that environmental knowledge significantly impacts environmental attitude and environmental activism. These findings underscore the importance of education and campaigns in providing understanding and achieving widespread impact. The study also reveals that environmental concern contributes to fostering care and environmental activism. The implications of this research highlight the need to enhance conservation campaigns and education to increase public awareness of environmental issues and encourage the application of this understanding in everyday practices.

Evidence of emotions and psychological defences in urban water-efficiency campaigns’ communications

ABSTRACT We analysed fourteen different American water-efficiency campaigns for evidence of (1) explicit and implicit emotions, (2) explicit and implicit mortality reminders, and (3) cultural worldview appeals that could offer water users self-esteem–striving and worldview-defending opportunities. Self-esteem–striving and worldview defences are components of terror management theory’s distal defences, which are used to repress discomforting mortality awareness. We discussed the implications for conservation campaigns containing mortality reminders and/or distal defence opportunities and considered how these potentially undermine residential water-efficiency efforts. Finally, we offered practical recommendations for scholars and practitioners responsible for developing water-efficiency campaigns.

Putting the soil health principles to the test in Iowa

AbstractOne of the most popular soil conservation campaigns is based on the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service's Soil Health Principles (NRCS‐SHPs). The NRCS‐SHP program identifies four principles—maximize presence of living roots, minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover, and maximize biodiversity—with the underlying assumption that the more principles one follows, the greater improvements in soil health. Despite the popularity of the NRCS‐SHPs, this underlying assumption has not been rigorously tested. To do so, we used nine long‐term experiments all located in central Iowa, but with varying degree of NRCS‐SHP adoption, to determine if greater adoption increases three slow‐changing (maximum water holding capacity, bulk density [BD], and soil organic carbon) and three dynamic (microbial biomass carbon [MBC], potentially mineralizable carbon [PMC], and permanganate oxidizable carbon [POXC]) soil health indicators. We regressed these indicators with a soil health principle score that can scale soil management based on adoption of the NRCS‐SHPs. Of the slow‐changing soil properties, increased adoption of NRCS‐SHPs only decreased soil BD (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.024). On the other hand, increased adoption of NRCS‐SHPs strongly predicted increases in both MBC and PMC and across two sampling dates (R2 > 0.23, p < 0.015); POXC, however, did not increase with greater adoption. The consistent increases in MBC and PMC with greater adoption of NRCS‐SHPs supports their usefulness as sensitive indicators of positive soil health change. Our study provides scientific evidence to support the NRCS‐SHPs concept, improving its usefulness as an extension campaign, and stands as a step toward evidence‐based soil conservation.

Producing Human Life or Protecting Wildlife?

A series of biodiversity conservation campaign since 1980s and the establishment of Siberut National Park on Siberut Island (West Sumatra, Indonesia) have seriously unsettled the relationship between the Mentawai and forest as well as between the Mentawai with powerful external agencies. For the Mentawai, forest and nature should be managed and utilized. Claiming and contesting forests have been part of the Mentawai social fabric and histories, while cultivating and transforming them into social spaces (agroforest, sago garden, settlements) and extracting uncultivated animals and plants are valued human activities and important criteria in the construction of Mentawai personhood. The park has tried to persuade people keeping the forest intact and not using and transforming it. The establishment of the park also implies that the state claims the land and the forest. This paper argues that establishing a national park and protecting forests contradicts the value of productive activities and the history of human labour attached and spent on the land and forest. The resistance over forest protection offers vital clues in understanding how producing nature is inseparable from producing humans and discusses how people can coexist with forests and nonhuman entities, not just by conserving it, but by transforming it. Understanding the mutual production and transformation of human nature is crucial to the future of biodiversity conservation activities on the island.

The Potential Habitat Response of Cyclobalanopsis gilva to Climate Change.

Cyclobalanopsis gilva, a valuable timber species in China, holds significant importance for understanding the constraints imposed by climate change on the dynamic geographic distribution of tree species. This study utilized the MaxEnt maximum entropy model to reconstruct the migratory dynamics of C. gilva geographical distribution since the Last Glacial Maximum. The objective was to comprehend the restrictive mechanisms of environmental factors on its potential geographical distribution, aiming to provide insights for mid-to-long-term afforestation planning of C. gilva. The optimized MaxEnt model exhibited a significantly high predictive accuracy, with an average AUC value of 0.949 ± 0.004 for the modern suitable habitat model of C. gilva. The total suitable habitat area for C. gilva in contemporary times was 143.05 × 104 km2, with a highly suitable habitat area of 3.14 × 104 km2. The contemporary suitable habitat was primarily located in the southeastern regions of China, while the highly suitable habitat was concentrated in eastern Fujian and central-eastern Taiwan. Bioclimatic variables such as mean diurnal range (Bio2), min temperature of coldest month (Bio6), precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17), and precipitation of driest month (Bio14) predominantly influenced the modern geographic distribution pattern of C. gilva, with temperature factors playing a leading role. With global climate warming, there is a risk of fragmentation or even loss of suitable habitat for C. gilva by 2050 and 2090. Therefore, the findings of this study can significantly contribute to initiating a habitat conservation campaign for this species.

A conciliatory and persuasive social campaign changes owner behavior to reduce cats' hunting

AbstractSolutions to the cats‐hunting‐wildlife environmental conflict could benefit from social science approaches. Our Theory of Planned Behavior questionnaire—informed by an elicitation survey of cat owners at veterinary clinics about their attitudes, norms, and beliefs regarding bringing their cats inside at night—surveyed 158 cat owners across 20 veterinarian clinics in four cities. It revealed that wildlife conservation was not influential on cat owner intention but veterinarians, cat safety, peers, and household members were. Thus, we designed a social marketing campaign with two treatments: (1) a veterinarian/cat safety message or (2) social/family norm message. Thirty‐four veterinary clinics received one of the two campaign posters or served as the control group. Customers (n = 510) received a “cat welfare” survey and then a pamphlet with the advocated message, and a follow‐up survey by email or telephone 3–6 weeks later (69% response rate). Campaign messaging significantly increased the number of cat owners who reported bringing their cats inside at night compared to the control group. The social/family norm message was most effective. Although rudimentary, the campaign generated measurable changes in cat owner intention and behavior. Conservation campaigns informed by co‐benefits for cat owners may reduce cats' hunting and be conciliatory ways of transcending environmental conflict.

Lighting devices from the so-called Episcopal Church from the Kirchbichl in Lavant (Lienz, Austria)

The Early Christian churches of the Late Antique hilltop settlement in Lavant (Lienz, Austria) have been investigated for almost a century. In recent years (2017–2021), a large conservation campaign took place within the ruins of the so-called Episcopal Church. During this campaign, it was possible to carry out targeted excavations inside the Early Christian church to understand the consecutive building phases and their dating better. In addition to new insights into the history of the building, several new finds also came from these excavation campaigns, providing further information about the church’s interior. In the following, all objects associated with lighting are presented.

Tourism resilience to drought and climate shocks: The role of tourist water literacy in hotel management

The large water demands of tourism threaten the sector's economic viability during climate shocks. Cape Town, South Africa provides an example where the threat of a water “Day Zero” in 2018 caused substantial losses in tourist arrivals, revenues, and subsequent job securities. However, Cape Town's tourism industry also contributed to unprecedented water conservation across the city. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with hotel employees in Cape Town (n = 18), this paper reveals how internal conservation campaigns not only reduced water use, but also helped mitigate economic impacts, eased political tensions, and upheld their excellent standing among visitors. Our results suggest that during severe water crises, hotel managers can model and enforce water conservation efforts while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Language Building Nature: Ecolinguistic Framing Analysis on The Environmental Conservation Hashtag @Griya_Luhu

Language is not just a means of communication, but a force that shapes our perspective and behavior towards the environment. In the digital era, social media has become an important platform for environmental conservation campaigns, with hashtags (#hashtag) functioning as frames that direct meaning and mobilize action. This research examines how the Instagram account @griya_Luhu uses hashtags to campaign for environmental issues. Through ecolinguistic framing analysis of popular hashtags used, this research reveals @griya_Luhu's strategy in: Framing environmental problems and solutions, defining individual and collective roles, and promoting pro-environmental values. The research results show that @griya_luhu effectively simplifies complex issues, encourages real action, and builds collective awareness. However, some potential biases and simplifications need to be criticized. This research underscores the importance of language analysis in examining the effectiveness of environmental campaigns on social media and provides an analytical framework for future similar research.conservation. Keywords Enviromental Conservation Hasthag, Framing, Ecolinguistic.

Promoting Waterbird Conservation Behavior: The Effects of Internet Memes and Co-Creation Engagement on Biodiversity-Led Sustainability

Waterbird plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem services and serves as a bioindicator of ecological conditions. However, people are not fully aware of the benefits waterbirds bring to ecosystem and how biodiversity conservation contributes to sustainability. This study aims to promote waterbird conservation behavior by using participatory internet memes. The internet memes feature humor and participatory culture, and they have been used to promote environmental campaigns. This study explores how co-creation engagement interacts with different types of memes regarding the online civic engagement in an animal conservation campaign and the underlying mechanisms in that process. A 3 (meme types: high humor meme without text vs. low humor meme without text vs. typical high humor meme with text) X 2 (engagement: co-creation engagement vs. non-co-creation engagement) between subject online experiment was used in this study. The results showed three causal routes—absorption, perceived humor, and perceived cuteness—that mediated the effect between high humor memes and online civic engagement. Furthermore, this study revealed under what circumstance low humor memes are effective in promoting civic engagement in environmental communication.

Conservation as Cultural Practice: The Portrait Collection of Indigenous Delegates by Henry Inman

ABSTRACT This article explores the complex material history of the portrait collection of Indigenous delegates by Henry Inman (1801–1846), and the ethical dilemmas raised during the last conservation campaign. The so-called ‘Indian Gallery,’ painted by Charles Bird King and copied by Henry Inman in the late 1830s, offers a study case on how conservation can contribute to the visibility of this unique series of 27 Indigenous delegates portraits. Originally commissioned for Thomas L. McKenney as first Superintendent of Indian Affairs, the meaning of Henry Inman’s copies shifted when they entered the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology in 1882. Turned into ‘docile objects’ their new display had them fit a different ethnographic discourse. Recently transferred to the Harvard Art Museums (2023), the last conservation campaign challenged this discourse and proposed new ways to look at the collection offering a new interpretation through material analysis.

Nature conservation campaign on building a balanced ecosystem in Simeulue Island

Nature conservation deals with environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability will keep balancing the surrounding ecosystem. The role of campaign for nature conservation is essential to support the atmosphere toward human welfare. This study focused on explaining the nature conservation campaign in Simeulue Island. Ethnography method was applied in this study. The study was conducted at Langi Village on Simeulue Island in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The data consisted of recordings that described nature conservation in the past and now. Besides, in-depth interviews and participant observation were also conducted to collect the data. The data were analyzed using domain analysis, taxonomy analysis, and componential analysis. This study showed a change in land use from vegetation plants to new plants (ex, paddy). This situation affects the ecosystem, microclimate, and the loss of several animals in the area. It can be concluded that the nature conservation campaign is essential to maintain nature conservation as a shield for disaster in Langi village. The effort is intended to involve both the chief and local governments.

Development and Implementation of an Elementary School-Based Indigenous Knowledge Pedagogical Model on Native Tree Species for Environmental Sustainability Education in Ghana

Environmental education across countries is seen as the surest means of nurturing pro-environmental behaviours in children so that the conservation of biodiversity in the environment can be guaranteed. Unfortunately in Ghana, there is no indigenous-knowledge inspired pedagogical model that would aid elementary school teachers in carrying out such education. This convergent parallel mixed method study was aimed at developing, implementing and evaluating an indigenous knowledge inspired pedagogical model for native tree education among elementary school learners in Ghana. The indigenous-knowledge inspired pedagogical model was developed by the researchers under the expert guidance of some curriculum planners in Ghana with inputs from elementary school teachers and in tandem with the elementary school curriculum strand on environmental education. It was implemented in classroom and off-classroom contexts and finally evaluated for its potential in inciting elementary school learners in engaging in helpful native tree conservation activities. The quantitative results show high viability scores (100%) of the ESBIK pedagogical model’s capability of impacting significantly on the sustainability consciousness and competence of elementary school learners (Very Important-72.2%, Extremely Important-27.7%). On the other hand, the qualitative findings indicated the model’s capability of imparting knowledge on the essential roles that native tree species play in their lives and the broader benefits to ecosystem. Elementary school learners demonstrated care for native trees through tree planting, making of nurseries and gardens, and engaging in native tree conservation campaigns. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should adopt, improve and widely disseminate the pedagogical model. Future studies should consider using a larger sample size comprising elementary schools from several regions out of the sixteen (16) regions and engage in scholarly regional comparison of the results after the implementation of the ESBIK pedagogical model.

‘The Beauty of Our Hills Is Being Sacrificed’: Afforestation, Forestry and Colonial Environmentalism in British Hong Kong

This article examines the afforestation and tree protection efforts in Hong Kong during its colonial period from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century. Initially, the afforestation department adopted objectives in the 1870s purely for hygienic and urban planning purposes. Yet, with the support of the British Empire’s botanical network, the department successfully transformed Hong Kong Island into a verdant city by the turn of the twentieth century despite facing challenges. However, protecting afforested areas posed difficulties for the department as the local Chinese continuously damaged the trees in exchange for firewood, which was vital to their everyday life. In addition to this, the article also analyses the disputes that arose due to differing views on the usage of trees among the European community and the government in 1904–1905. These challenges forced the latter to abandon its profit-driven tree felling policy and became Hong Kong’s first tree conservation campaign.

TURTLE CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION FOR BALI

Most sea turtle species around the world are threatened with extinction. The threat of sea turtle extinction is largely caused by humans for consumption, souvenirs, trade, medicine and religious activities as well as for commercial purposes such as the sale of eggs, meat and shells. This human behavior is threatening sea turtle populations. Preventing the decline of these threatened sea turtle populations requires changes in human behavior that are educated through conservation campaigns. This international service was carried out with the aim of recognizing local culture and local wisdom products and participating in painting traditional Thai pottery. This activity is a community service activity that collaborates between the Faculty of Economics and Business of Swadaya Gunung Jati University Indonesia, Panca Sakti Tegal University Indonesia, Suan Dusit University and Eastern Instutite for Integrated Learning in Management University India. Community service activities were carried out in Nong Nooch Thailand, with a total of 25 participants consisting of 10 students and 15 lecturers. Sea turtle conservation is one of the community's efforts to preserve the environment and sea turtle habitat for the survival of sea turtles

Promoting Conservation Behaviors by Leveraging Optimistic and Pessimistic Messages and Emotions

Meeting the challenge of the global biodiversity crisis requires evidence-driven communication strategies to engage public and political audiences in conservation. This study used a real-world conservation campaign to test how messages framed as pessimistic and optimistic, emphasizing species losses or gains, affected emotional response and behavioral intent, including willingness to donate and adopt specific conservation behaviors. We administered a national, web-based survey to a random sample of U.S. adults (n = 1,998). Respondents exposed to pessimistically-framed messages were significantly more willing to donate than those exposed to optimistically-framed messages, and emotions mediated effects. Intention to engage in behaviors was greatest when a respondent’s emotions aligned with the valence of the frame they received, such as when they experienced negative emotions in response to pessimistic frames or positive emotions in response to optimistic frames. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence guiding the strategic use of communications to promote conservation.

Organization of Diving Sports Branches at the Indonesian Diving Sports Association in Central Java Province

This study aims to determine the Organization of Diving Sports Branches at the Indonesian Diving Sports Association in Central Java Province. This research is a qualitative interpretative research. Data collection techniques using interviews and document analysis. In this study, the chairpersons, administrators and athletes of POSSI Central Java were used as samples. Data analysis in this study has 4 stages, namely: data collection stage, data reduction stage, data presentation stage, conclusion drawing stage. Based on the results of the research that In addition, POSSI Central Java's efforts and commitment in developing diving can also be linked to sport development theory. They organize various activities and trainings to improve the skills of athletes and coaches, as well as actively holding championships and recreational events for the community. A holistic approach that includes coaching young athletes and underwater environment conservation campaigns also reflects the organization's efforts to develop diving sports sustainably. Research on sports development strategies and the role of organizations in encouraging community participation in sports can also be a reference to discuss the success of POSSI Central Java in developing diving sports in the region. Based on the results of the research and the results of the data analysis conducted, it shows that the Organization of Diving Sport Branch POSSI Central Java Province: POSSI Central Java Province shows a well-organized management structure, with experienced and competent leaders. This leadership structure provides a strong foundation for the development of diving in the region. The history of the development of diving and the innovation of scuba equipment are important parts in developing modern diving. POSSI Central Java also shows effort and commitment in developing diving sports with a holistic approach that includes the development of young athletes and underwater environmental conservation campaigns.

Water Conservation Campaign: Attitude and Public Participation in Faridabad City

Water is a renewable natural resource but overutilization of water has created serious problem and today it has become a matter of great concern for its sustainability and safeguard. With growing demand of water in faridabad, the ground water aquifer as well as water supply is under great stress. It is very important and need of the hour to understand the water scarcity issue and to adopt water conservation methods. This initiative can also facilitate the implementation of appropriate policies for water demand management. Water conservation strategies and steps have been taken by the government at national, state and local level to reduce the stress to safeguard the water availability. The present research discusses the attitude and participation of households to their water conservation adoptability and campaign initiated at government level to sustain the water resource. Primary data and secondary data have been collected. The study explores the behavioural aspects of public toward the natural water resource sustainability in the present situation. The study finding could be supportive to take further steps to create awareness and involvement in water conservation activities

Water conservation behaviour: evidence from Kuwait

ABSTRACT The paper reports analysis of data from a household survey concerning water conservation behaviour in Kuwait. Econometric models were used for nine conservation measures, The models were estimated for nationals and expatriates. The results revealed that households made efforts to conserve water by changing habits/practices. The results failed to support the theory of planned behaviour as water conservation campaign had no effect on households’ water conservation. Awareness about environment and water conservation did not result in pro-conservation behaviour.

Saving Animals?

Abstract ‘Saving’ language is often employed in relation to animals—both in conservation campaigns and in animal theology—and therefore the question as to how we speak about animal redemption is arguably of both rhetorical and theological importance. This article considers the rhetorical and hermeneutical dynamics of ‘redemption talk’ in the work of two animal theologians, Andrew Linzey and David Clough. Although language alone may not save animals, cultivating life-giving theological grammars that make for the flourishing of all living beings is arguably a slow and deep and important work that has the capacity to go the distance. Rhetoric could herein become a partner to ethical and practical work that shares the concern for the safety of and care for animals, as well as a resource that could shape how the redemption of animals could be imagined publicly. In short, this article seeks to demonstrate that how we speak about animal salvation matters.