Abstract

I seek to explore, using the National Park of the Langue de Barbarie in Senegal as a case study, whether value types based on Schwartz’ Theory of Value Dimensions (1992) are more likely to promote pro-environmental behavior than others in developing countries and answer whether current incentives can not only motivate short term reactions but change long term behavior towards the environment. This instrumental case study is an extension of my work from 2003 to 2007 as an ecotourism volunteer with Peace Corps and Independent Ecotourism Consultant for various national parks in Senegal. Supporting data was gathered from personal and participant observations, national park and eco-guard annual reports. Informal interviews with local community and association members, representatives of the national park, eco-guards and questionnaire responses are included to substantiate conclusions on values and pro-environmental behavior in the public and private sphere. Research findings suggest that long term pro-environmental behavior is influenced by internal factors rooted in beliefs and values that are independent to cost analysis calculations. The research is applicable for leaders or stakeholders and behaviorists interested in intercultural values for environmental conservation. The study suggests that beliefs and values regarding health, family, security, conformity and tradition, typically considered negative predicators of pro-environmental behavior in advanced developed societies, promote pro-environmental behavior in rural societies. I recommend that any incentive package that is to lead to long term pro-environmental behavior in developing countries compliment economic incentives with indirect incentives which embrace these values and target them appropriately and consistently with the culture.

Disciplines

Agricultural and Resource Economics | Life Sciences | Place and Environment | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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