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

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of forestry, Faculty of natural resources, lorestan university

2 Lorestan University

3 lorestan university

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 of these valuable resources. 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 Khorramabad, 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 Khorramabad, located in the Lorestan province. The target population 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 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 developed 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 developed 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 participa

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Iranian Journal of Forest

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 January 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 July 2023
  • Revise Date: 20 October 2023
  • Accept Date: 10 October 2023

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