Pro conservation Behaviors

This research theme focuses on the development and validation of reliable psychometric instruments specifically designed to measure behaviors that support biodiversity conservation. Accurate measurement tools are critical to identify determinants of pro-nature conservation behaviors, bridge the value-action gap, and evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions. This area addresses a key challenge in conservation psychology: tailoring measurement beyond general pro-environmental behaviors to capture behaviors directly related to biodiversity protection.

This theme examines how different types of social norms and values impact behavioral intentions and actions that favor conservation. Understanding the relative strength of subjective, descriptive, and personal norms—and their variation across types of conservation behavior—enables more precise behavioral models and interventions. Relatedly, research investigates the role of human-nature connectedness, empathy, and relational values, and the relational act of listening, in promoting conservation behaviors. These insights provide evidence-based frameworks for social influence strategies and participatory engagement in conservation.

This theme explores how ethical considerations, social values, and multi-actor governance contexts influence conservation decision-making, including acceptance of intervention strategies and social dynamics underpinning conservation actions. It addresses debates on compassionate conservation ethics, balancing welfare of individuals vs. populations, barriers such as fear of failure in decision-making for small populations, and challenges of aligning conservation priorities amongst multiple actors. Understanding these sociopolitical and ethical dimensions is critical to designing socially legitimate and effective conservation policies that foster sustainable behaviors.