Attitudes Of Local Communities Research Articles

Understanding local community attitudes toward industrial development in the Great Barrier Reef region World Heritage Area: are environmental impacts perceived to overshadow economic benefits?

Conflicts between industrial development and environmental conservation can be particularly acute when such development occurs in the vicinity of World Heritage sites. A key example is the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) in northeastern Australia, where a 2012 review by the World Heritage Council found that rapid port development inshore of the coral reef posed significant risks to local marine ecosystems. Such instances pose pressing challenges for decision‐makers seeking to manage World Heritage sites for multiple values and needs, including those of key stakeholder groups, such as local communities. There is increasingly a societal expectation that public decision‐making takes into account local views and priorities, and that companies seek a ‘social license to operate’. This research explored local community attitudes toward port development associated with the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal through the GBRWHA. Using data drawn from a survey and interviews, the research examined how a range of geographical factors, including proximity to gas infrastructure and the perceived impacts and risks of development to the local community, economy and environment shape community perceptions of the industry. Findings suggest that local attitudes toward gas and coal terminal development inshore of the GBRWHA are shaped predominantly by community perceptions of environmental impacts and risks associated with such infrastructure, in contrast to a broader public narrative that focuses largely on economic benefits. A complex combination of other factors, including social impacts, personal environmental values, community trust in industry, and equity in decision‐making and distribution of the risks and benefits of industrial development also contribute. Placed in a broader, global context, the findings have important implications for public decision‐making processes in Australia and elsewhere as they suggest that, for local communities, the perceived impacts of gas development on the environment may overshadow the benefits of industry.

Conservation Opportunities and Local Community Attitudes towards Wildlife in Harenna Forest, South East Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Harenna Forest between March and June, 2016, with the objectives of assessing the conservation opportunities and local community attitudes towards wildlife in the communities. Questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. A total of 340 respondents were included for household questioner by systematic random sampling method while 11 respondents were purposively selected and for an in-depth interview survey. The data revealed that in terms of the opportunities of wildlife conservation, respondents’ responses mostly agreed for the existence of benefit sharing between locals and government (50%), presence of conservation organizations (89.7%), local communities are well aware and keen on wildlife (68.9%), community participation to conserve wildlife (78.5%), full sense of ownership towards the forest and wildlife (74.2%), management programmes implementation (78.6%), high priority of government bodies for conservation (89.1%) and an education and awareness creation program (74.1%). Out of the total respondents, 19 (5.59%) opposed the existing wildlife conservation systems, while 317 (93.23%) supported. Despite these existing wildlife conservation opportunities, wildlife continue to be threatened in and around the Harenna forest through overgrazing by livestock, firewood collection, settlement and agriculture expansions and wildfires. In addition, local community pays less attention to conservation of forest and wild animals. This study therefore, recommend that, enhancement awareness creation programme and involvement of local people in the participation of wildlife in Harenna Forest Conservation Area.

Tackling mobility environmental impacts through the promotion of student active travel

Concern about sustainability is rooted in the growing awareness that human activities have significant environmental impacts. Tackling impacts generated by mobility practices can pass through active mobility promotion. However, this requires knowledge of travel choices of different population groups, in order to be successful. Students are an interesting travelers group with particular living and mobility conditions. Lately, mobility issues have gained an increasing attention within educational institutions. This mobilization may be of benefit for their overall host area. Students can become trend-setters, creating a multiplying effect with their travel choices. Thus, student mobility characteristics require attention. In Serres, Greece, an action plan for active travel promotion was developed and there has been a recent investment on walking and cycling infrastructure. In this framework, the detection of travel patterns and attitudes of local student community can be really helpful for targeting relevant interventions. This paper departs from a research aiming at recording mobility choices of students of the Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia (TEI), located in Serres, through a web-based travel survey and at making suggestions for more sustainable travel behaviour. Results demonstrate that students are largely in favor of bicycle, they would welcome a joint bus and bicycle promotion and measures in favor of intermodality, e.g. properly equipped buses in order to have bikes on board. Also, students call for both hard and soft measures, like more cycling paths, additional bicycle parking equipment throughout the city, bike sharing schemes as well as incentives, like discounts in buying and maintaining a bicycle or reduction in bus tickets. This small scale effort is enriched by other recent works concerning Serres in the field of sustainable mobility and attempts to adjust their suggestions to students target group, as a starting point for an active travel strategy for the city.

Assessment of Local Community Perception of and Attitude Towards Participatory Forest Management (PFM) System and Its Implications for Sustainablity of Forest Condition and Livelihoods: The Case of Chilimo- Gaji Forest in Dendi District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Participatory Forest Management (PFM) system was piloted in Chilimo-Gaji Forest in Ethiopia in 1990s as an alternative forest management approach. This was necessitated by national objection over forest resource degradation, clamor for decentralization and need for better forest governance system. In order for local residents to cooperate with a reduction of deforestation and forest degradation, they must have a positive perception toward the forest conservation system and positive attitude toward the forest conservation approach. A positive attitude of local communities towards forest management system is an essential prerequisite for local participation in forest management. The main purpose of this study was to assess the local community perception of and attitude towards Chilimo-Gaji forest and Participatory Forest Management (PFM) system. The perception and attitude of the local people were studied in two dimensions: the attitudes toward the PFM system and the perception of the forest and forest resources. Data for the study was generated through household survey comprising of 265 respondents selected through simple random technique. Linear Logistic Regression model was used to assess the effect of socio-economic and demographic factors on the households’ willingness to participate in forest management. The study findings revealed that, generally the respondents held positive attitudes towards the forest and PFM System. The results also depicted the association between socioeconomic features of people living close to the forest and their use of forest resources and demonstrated the basis of attitudes towards those managing the forest. Sixty percent of respondents were found to agree with the idea of Chilimo-Gaji forest conservation; however, statistically significant differences were found between the villages in terms of supportive attitudes toward the forest conservation system (p=0.02) and toward the PFM System (p=0.01). Nearly half of the respondents held a positive attitude toward the conservation project. However, those highly dependent on the forest to generate income remained reluctant and unsupportive, suggesting that high levels of support toward a conservation project by sections of the community may not translate into conservation success, because the drivers of the deforestation and forest degradation are not supportive. A perception of direct financial benefits accrues from the PFM system was found to be the main factor of the respondents’ attitudes and perceptions. This study then suggests that to change the perception and attitudes of local people around the forest, environmental education through awareness raising programs should be encouraged, and then addressing local development needs, ensuring real participation in PFM system if the new forest management system wants to win long lasting support of local communities to improve the forest condition and ensure sustainable rural livelihood.

Local Community Attitude and Perceptions towards Tourism Conservation Policies in Rwanda Case of Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park contains the rich biodiversity that attracts many tourists. Despite being an attractive destination, Volcanoes National Park is facing different threats resulting from human activities including poaching, hunting, bamboo collection, and others although policies to conserve the VNP were set up. It was due to these challenges that the study was conducted to investigate the local community attitude and perception towards conservation policies around the Park. It was based on Nyange Sector in three cells selected as they were around the VNP. These cells included Kabeza, Muhabura, and Ninda. The objectives of the study were; i) to establish the whether the local residents understood well the park conservation policies, ii) to assess the role of local communities in park conservation, iii) to find out the factors deterring conservation policy implementation in VNP. Data were collected from cells contacting 45 respondents selected conveniently. The questionnaire and interview method were used to collect data. The study revealed that most local people understood well and were aware of the existing conservation policies and rules. The most common policies included; punishment to hunters, bush burners, and poachers; increasing the investment and financing (5% revenue sharing policy); developing infrastructure leading to the park; capacity building and human resources motivation; marketing and awareness reinforcement and finally supporting local community small businesses among others. The study found out that local people were somehow satisfied with some policies with exception of setting a wall of separation, and punishment of poachers. The study further revealed that local Residents play a big role in the conservation of VNP and that decision making process in matter of VNP conservation is important to the park managers where they interact and share views with local government in decisions making in terms of VNP conservation. Despite the policies already existing, the implementation of them encounters barriers including but not limited to; excessive forest resources dependency where people still have the mentality of hunting and poaching for meat and collect bamboo for basketry. These result in harming the park and the flora and fauna it shelters. Recommendations mainly focused on the increase of the awareness of conservation policies of Volcanoes National Park as well as putting more conservation policies with the involvement of community leaders and residents.

Local community attitudes towards mangrove forest conservation: Lessons from Bangladesh

Degradation of mangrove ecosystems is a major concern in many countries of the world. This study examines the attitudes and perceptions of local communities towards the conservation of the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans in Bangladesh. Village households were interviewed. The Schlager and Ostrom's theoretical framework was applied to reveal local forest-dependent people's positive attitudes towards conservation and that their socio-economic and demographic characteristics influenced these attitudes. They valued those functions that were directly linked to their economic wellbeing and were inclined to engage in alternative livelihood activities provided illegal access to forest resources were curtailed. Respondents living adjacent to the forests admitted their illegal access due to a lack of alternative economic opportunities. 60% of the respondents viewed that present state property rights regime violated their harvesting rights. More than half of the people (57%) surveyed desired to participate in conservation practices as proprietors. Policy directives in line with Schlager and Ostrom's theory for de facto and de jure ownerships and management change may provide some scope for development of sustainable livelihoods for forest dependent people from the conservation of critical mangrove ecosystems like the Sundarbans.

A cluster model of ethno-tourism organization in Russian regions

Purpose This study aims to investigate the prospects for cluster modeling of ethno-tourism development in Russian regions. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the methods of system and comparative analysis, mathematical statistics, managerial diagnostics, expert estimates, in-depth interview, cluster method and social and psychological testing. Findings A significant number of Russian and international researchers study the problem of cluster and network interaction in economics using different perspectives. Special attention should be paid to the theory of cluster and network interaction in the field of tourism. This theory establishes the framework for the formulation of the concept of regional tourism development. The author believes that the concept should be developed using network forms of interaction in the field. Practical implications The government should support cluster initiatives to improve the competitiveness of the country in the field of tourism. Further, this cluster policy should include tourist centers with the best prospects, as they are capable of stimulating the country’s economy, and develop a legal framework to provide cluster initiatives support. Otherwise, cluster and network modeling is likely to fail. Another limitation is the negative attitude of local and conventional religious communities toward the ideas of ethno-tourism issues; the best example is the included case study from Mari El Republic, Russia. Originality/value Given the wide ethic, cultural and geographical differences within the Russian Federation, it is helpful to develop a spatial model of cluster and network organization for tourism based on selection of the areas that feature unique natural and recreational potential in addition to historical and cultural attractiveness. These areas can be viewed as places where various cluster tourist initiatives and local tourist clusters can be implemented. The use of ethno-tourism as a base concept for local tourism development in the region is bound to make the region more attractive for investors and, thus, support and promote interest in the unique culture of the indigenous peoples.

Attitudes of local communities towards forest conservation in Botswana: a case study of Chobe Forest Reserve

SUMMARY Understanding conservation attitudes of local communities is essential to the long-term sustainable management of natural resources such as forests. This paper, guided by the Social exchange theory, examined attitudes of local communities towards management of Chobe Forest Reserve (CFR) and explored factors influencing conservation attitudes in the study area. A survey instrument was administered to 183 households, randomly sampled across three communities adjacent to CFR. Additionally, in-depth interviews with selected key informants were conducted. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysing data. The study findings revealed that communities generally held positive attitudes towards forest conservation. Place of residence, age, length of residency and forest dependency were observed to be significantly influencing attitudes towards forest conservation. For sustainable forest management and conservation to be achieved, it is vital that community's needs and aspirations, th...

The Effect of Community Reinvestment Funds on Local Acceptance of Unconventional Gas Development

A survey with an embedded experimental design is employed to determine whether local public support for an unconventional gas development (UGD) project is influenced by a policy that commits a portion of private revenues from UGD to the state or local government. The public opinion survey (N = 2,700) oversamples residents living in counties of six states where UGD is technically feasible or underway: New York, Illinois, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. We found that proposing a hypothetical UGD site about two miles from where the resident lives decreases support for local UGD, but this effect is attenuated when residents are informed that their community or state will receive benefits from of a portion of the revenues generated by a developer. Further, the level of government receiving the reinvestment funds influences the level of local public support for UGD, such that reinvestment in local government is a much stronger predictor of public support than reinvestment in state government. Our findings have implications for understanding the social feasibility of UGD and can have implications for how reinvestment policies should be designed to influence local community attitudes.

Local community perception and attitude towards the non-utilization of natural resources in old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was conducted in Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State to assess the local community perception and reaction to the non-utilization of natural resources. Ninety-four questionnaires were administered to obtain information from the local community. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistic such as frequency, percentage, mean, etc. Also chi square analysis was used to determine the relationship between the respondent’s demographic characteristics and their awareness of the rules and regulations of the park. The result shows that majority of the respondents were male (70%) while 24% were female. In terms of the age group, majority of the respondents were between 26-35 (36.2%) and 36-45 (28.7%) age group. Over half of the respondents (57.4%) had secondary education and 75.5% were married. The predominant occupations of the respondents were farming (42.6%) and hunting (21.3%). Some of the respondents (41.5%) agreed that the rules and regulations of the park were strict. Majority of the respondents strongly disagreed to the non-utilization of natural resources in Old Oyo National Park. By restricting access to these park resources, the people feel denied and as such majority (54.3%) of the respondents are non-compliant to the rules and regulations of the park. For adequate protection of the park, there is need to allow the local people to utilize certain resources of the park such as water, grass for roofing and vegetable. This will encourage the local people to protect the natural resources.

Perceptions and attitudes of local communities towards Kafue National Park, Zambia

Perceptions and attitudes of local communities towards Kafue National Park, Zambia

Social work students field training as an opportunity to develop best practice in disabilities: the case of Jordan

This article outlines an innovative field for training efforts that foster the abilities of undergraduate social work students so that they are able to empower local communities in disability issues. It discusses the contribution of social work education in improving livelihoods of families with disabled members, challenging families as well as attitudes of local communities towards the disabled. Social work students were placed in a centre for children with developmental disabilities for a period of eight months. At this stage of their training, students were required to demonstrate their skills in working with individuals, families and communities. They were also required to identify opportunities for interventions that addressed stigma and social inclusion. Key outcomes from students’ voices were captured through their field notes, some limited observations and focus group discussions. The field training demonstrated that students managed to establish a support group for mothers with disabled children to provide a safe place to share their experiences. Student outcomes highlighted that the field experience was effective and feedback from families indicated that training raises disability awareness and facilitates women’s access to existing support systems. In addition, it engages professionals and families to work together in developing a long-term strategy to reduce isolation and exclusion, as well as to tackle health and social inequalities in Jordan.

Natural resource use conflict in Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

Conflict over natural resources including wildlife, forest, land and water is common particularly in developing countries. It is extremely difficult to sustainably manage a resource if it is under conflict. This study aimed to assess the causes of resource use conflict in Bale Mountains National Park and attitudes of local community towards the Park. Finally, to find measures to reduce resource use conflict. This study was conducted in Dinsho Woreda of Bale Zone, southeast Ethiopia from December 11, 2012 to May 10, 2013. Both primary and secondary sources of data gathering tools such as key informant and stakeholder’s interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and household survey techniques were used. The result revealed that conflict of interest between Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) and the surrounding community could be traced back to the 1970s, the time of the park establishment. The establishment of the park gradually restricted free movement of herds of those living particularly by rearing animals. Gradual expansion of agriculture and the need for more land became additional cause of conflict. Based on the household survey, causes of resource conflict were exclusion of resources access from the park and illegal activity made either individually or in a group to access resources from the park by residents living in and around the park. There was no significant difference among kebeles and wealth classes, except lack of income (χ2 = 8.083, DF = 2, P = 0.018). However, majority (63.5%) of the respondents had a positive attitude and the remaining (36.5%) had a negative attitude towards the park conservation. To reduce this conflict, different options were suggested by stakeholders: local community should be involved in the management of the park, compensation scheme should be made for crop raiding and livestock predation by wild fauna, government and NGOs should take initiatives in bringing developmental projects for local communities, and awareness creation of local community should also be made. Key words: Attitude, illegal activity, management options, protected areas, punishment and stakeholder.

A mismatch of community attitudes and actions: A study of koalas

Many wildlife populations, particularly in urban areas, are in decline. This is in part due to a disconnection between the lives of urban residents and native wildlife. The reconnection of social and ecological systems by understanding the linkages between people's attitudes and conservation behavior will help improve conservation outcomes. This study investigated the attitudes of local communities toward koala populations and sustainable wildlife conservation in southeast Queensland, Australia. Data was collected using a questionnaire in face-to-face surveys (n=102). Principal Component Analysis was used to quantify attitude and action statements into key components. Further analysis of demographics and knowledge of koalas was performed using analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results suggested that residents’ attitude toward koala conservation was strongly correlated with their home's proximity to relatively intact habitat. Residents living in peri-urban areas were significantly more likely than suburban residents to have a positive attitude toward koala conservation, and be willing to participate in actions to conserve koalas, such as traffic calming measures, community conservation schemes and support for council-led conservation actions. These results highlight the importance of understanding variations in community behavior toward biodiversity conservation in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods and suggest that local governments and conservation groups use area of residence to target urban planning and conservation initiatives more effectively.

Social acceptance of renewable energy sources: A review of contingent valuation applications

This paper presents a literature review addressing the public acceptance of renewable energy as a replacement for fossil fuels in electricity production. This review was motivated by the global tendency for a substitution of conventional fuels by renewable energy sources (RES) during the global financial crisis. It studies research on the preferences and attitudes of local communities towards investments in renewable energy projects and their perception of the use of new energy technologies in their daily lives, through various case studies worldwide. An effort is made to identify the parameters that influence consumers' energy behaviour, together with their interest, or lack thereof, in the environmental impact of using fossil fuels to produce energy and their willingness to reduce it. Applications of contingent valuation are examined, which are employed to analyse public attitudes towards the use of RES for electricity production. Willingness-to-pay is observed to be correlated to socioeconomic characteristics including education, interest in environmental issues and knowledge of RES. Finally, the profile of a typical green energy consumer and appropriate policy paths for the penetration of RES into the energy market are outlined.

Local Community Attitude and Support towards Tourism Development in Tioman Island, Malaysia

Tourism development is a double-edged sword for local communities and attitude directly affects the current and future tourism industry development. Community positive attitudes will encourage tourists’ satisfaction levels and contributes to the word-of-mouth promotion among them. Therefore, the involvement and the participation of the host community are pertinent towards the success of the tourism development plan. The findings of the study indicated that the Tioman Island community supported future tourism development based on the personal benefit they received. It is a clear statement that the role of the residence is necessary to support tourism development and maintain its robust growth.

Pottery function and Nkore social activity

Abstract This article presents research regarding the instruction and production of pottery in Uganda during the twentieth century. It investigates how local low-tech pottery and community attitudes, as well as norms and values in traditional Ugandan pottery, have been displaced by competing modern technologies and selected community actions, which they in turn can be seen to influence. The proposition is that this shift in pottery manufacture reflects patterns of contemporary technological, socio-economic, cultural and power relations in Uganda in general and Nkore in particular. The proposition is further that this shift retains previous technological knowledge dispositions, specific to economic, social and cultural history in Uganda and its position in the global market. In other words, past local technology has left its mark on both past and present activities and attitudes to pottery making.

Educational Tourism in Malaysia: Implications for Community Development Practice

Background: This paper aims to discuss the impacts of educational tourism on the residents in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Educational tourism is a means to empower educational communities, host communities, local entrepreneurs, and to enhance economic prosperity. Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in five districts in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (Federal Territory) which are located in the Klang Valley, and Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. Data was collected from 700 respondents using structured questionnaire from the Klang Valley and Nilai. Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed that, there is significant positive moderate relationship between attitude, environmental impact, economic impact, and socio-cultural impact and practice. Multiple linear regressions showed that socio-cultural and economic impact of educational tourism, and local community attitude has significantly contributed to residents’ practice to educational tourists in the Klang Valley. Conclusion: The findings propose new insights into the socio-cultural and economic impacts of educational tourism and community development practice. Educational tourism can sustain the development of career paths for workers and local communities. The results of this study present practical information on sustainable educational programs for both the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Tourism.

Multi-stakeholder perceptions of efficiency in biodiversity conservation at limited access forests of the southern Western Ghats, India

Biodiversity conservation is a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders. Attempting to balance different interests and developing effective working relationships between stakeholders is vital for successfully addressing issues of biodiversity conservation. Presently, biodiversity conservation in India is monopolised by state forest departments (FD) with negligible participation from local communities (who are directly affected by forest laws) and researchers (whose work can improve conservation). This study examines the efficiency of multiple stakeholders-local communities, FD, researchers and politicians in conserving biodiversity at the Anamalai - Palni Hills of the southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Efficiency here is defined as the amount of positive assistance stakeholders provide towards conserving biodiversity. A systematic sampling strategy through self-administered questionnaires was used to understand stakeholders perception of one another and the challenges they faced. The results highlight the FD as having the highest efficiency in conserving biodiversity followed by local communities, researchers and lastly, political leaders. Stakeholder evaluation of one another efficiency revealed a homogenous opinion towards local communities and the FD. However, a considerable difference was observed towards researchers whereby their efficiency was rated lower by local communities in comparison to the FD. Dependency on forest resources that was curbed by the FD invariably affected the attitude of local communities towards biodiversity conservation. On the other hand, low pay rolling schemes, inadequate facilities and political interference hinder the management capabilities of the FD. Increased research and outreach activities would benefit Kodaikanal and Theni, provided a collaborative effort to conserve biodiversity is pursued.

A case study of economic incentives and local citizens' attitudes toward hosting a nuclear power plant in Japan: Impacts of the Fukushima accident

The attitude of local communities near a nuclear power plant (NPP) is a key factor in nuclear policy decision making in Japan. This case study compared local citizens' attitudes in 2010 and 2011 toward the benefits and drawbacks of hosting Kashiwazaki–Kariwa NPP. The Fukushima accident occurred in this period. After the accident, benefit recognition of utility bill refunds clearly declined, while that of public facilities did not, suggesting the influence of a bribery effect. The negative shift of attitudes about hosting the NPP after the accident was more modest in Kariwa Village, which saw a large expansion of social welfare programs, than in the other two areas, which lacked such a budget expansion. Policy implications of these results regarding the provision of economic incentives in NPP host areas after the Fukushima accident were discussed.