Iranian Journal of Forest

Iranian Journal of Forest

An Examination of participatory behavior of Urban Forests visitors: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior in the Urban Forests of Khorram Abad

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
P Mohammadi 1
R Maleknia 2
M Rahimian 3
1 Ph.D. Student of Dept. Forestry, Faculty of Natural resources, Lorestan University, I. R. Iran.
2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural resources, Lorestan University, I. R. Iran.
3 Associate Prof., Dept. of Rural Development, Lorestan University, I. R. Iran.
10.22034/ijf.2023.406478.1936
Abstract
Introduction: Human behavior can have a significant impact on forest ecosystems, including urban forests. Encouraging pro-environmental behavior among individuals is crucial to prevent the degradation. Understanding the behavior of visitors to urban forests is an essential step in effectively managing their conservation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors that influence environmental behavior among visitors to urban forests in Khorram Abad, Lorestan. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to predicting their willingness to participate in the protection and preservation of these forests.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the urban forests of Khorram Abad, located in the Lorestan province. The target population was consisted of visitors to these urban forests, and a sample size of 401 individuals was selected using the Krejci-Morgan table. The sample selection process involved proportional allocation based on classification. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The validity of the questionnaire was ensured by seeking expert opinions, and its reliability was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha test. The statistical analysis employed was the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and its developed model. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS, and Smart PLS software was used for structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between independent and dependent variables.
Results: The research findings supported the hypotheses proposed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In the extended TPB model, all hypotheses, except for the influence of environmental concern on behavioral intention, were confirmed. The results indicated that the variables in the initial TPB model accounted for 49.4% and 73.1% of visitors' intentions and environmental behavior, respectively. Similarly, the variables in the extended model explained 49.4% and 74.4% of visitors' intentions and environmental behavior, respectively. Notably, the inclusion of environmental concern (EC) in the developed TPB model increased the explanatory power of the environmental behavior variable by 1.3%. All obtained fit indices for both the initial TPB model and its developed version fell within the desired range, indicating a good fit.
Conclusion: The study findings highlight the positive and significant effects of attitude (ATT), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and subjective norms (SN) on visitors' intentions, environmental behavior, and their active participation in protecting urban forests. Understanding these influential factors of environmental behavior and emphasizing the importance of conserving urban forests can facilitate effective conservation measures and enhance visitors' sense of belonging and willingness to participate. This, in turn, can lead to a positive shift in attitudes towards adopting environmentally friendly behaviors.
Keywords
Environmental services
Participatory management
Theory of planned behavior
Urban forestry

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Forest
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
Summer 2024
Pages 197-211

  • Receive Date 16 July 2023
  • Revise Date 19 September 2023
  • Accept Date 10 October 2023