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Tribot AS, Faget D, Changeux T. Nature experiences affect the aesthetic reception of art: The case of paintings depicting aquatic animals. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303584. [PMID: 39024209 PMCID: PMC11257337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Art is a promising pathway to raise emotional engagement with nature, while enabling an indirect exposure to nature through aesthetic experience. However, the precise relationships between aesthetic experiences of art and experiences of nature remain unclear. The aim of this observational study is to highlight the effect of nature experiences on the aesthetic reception art, based on Early Modern paintings (16th-18th century). By focusing on marine ecosystems, that are difficult to directly interact with, the results presented are intended to explore whether marine activities and fish consumption affect the aesthetic reception of artworks depicting marine biodiversity. A photo-questionnaire survey based on four paintings has been conducted with 332 French participants with a diverse range of marine practices, fish consumption and artistic sensitivity. Fish consumption and value attributed to fish as food had a significant positive impact on the aesthetic reception, suggesting that taste and food consumption could be considered as a relevant nature aesthetic experience that elicits affective and emotional responses. Results also showed an indirect effect of fishing and diving on the aesthetic reception of paintings whose iconography relates with the observers' experiences. These findings are of particular interest in both environmental psychology and ecological mediation through art. This study brings evidences of the connection between art and nature experiences, and that art could be an innovative way of experiencing nature. Finally, this study also highlights the need to broaden the scope of nature experiences, for instance by including food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Tribot
- UMR TELEMMe, MMSH, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Daniel Faget
- UMR TELEMMe, MMSH, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Thomas Changeux
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Campus Luminy - OCEANOMED Bâtiment Méditerranée, Marseille, France
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2
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Santangeli A, Haukka A, Morris W, Arkkila S, Delhey K, Kempenaers B, Valcu M, Dale J, Lehikoinen A, Mammola S. What drives our aesthetic attraction to birds? NPJ BIODIVERSITY 2023; 2:20. [PMID: 39242702 PMCID: PMC11332239 DOI: 10.1038/s44185-023-00026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
In the Anthropocene, the era when the imprint of humans on nature is pervasive across the planet, it is of utmost importance to understand human relationships with other species. The aesthetics of nature, and of species, is one of the values that plays a role in shaping human-nature relationships. Birds are ubiquitous across the world. The beauty of birds exerts a powerful tug on human emotions, and bird-rich areas attract scores of eco-tourists. People naturally find some birds more beautiful or interesting than others, but we currently lack a global understanding of the specifics of what makes a species aesthetically attractive. Here, we used a global citizen-science database on bird attractiveness covering nearly all extant bird species, to show that there are specific visual features that drive our aesthetic appeal for some bird species over others. First, our aesthetic attraction is highest for smaller birds with specific, vivid colors (e.g., blue and red, and departing from brown-grey) and extreme ornaments (a long crest or tail). Second, our aesthetic attraction is highest for species with broad ranges, possibly because such species may be more familiar to us. The features that make us attracted to a particular bird strongly align with broad human visual aesthetic preferences in modern society. Unveiling the visual features underpinning our aesthetic attraction to birds is a critical step towards optimizing conservation (e.g., via conservation marketing) and education campaigns, and leverage the cultural ecosystem service potential of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Santangeli
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, Institute for Mediterranean Studies (IMEDEA), CSIC-UIB, 07190, Esporles, Spain.
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Zoology Unit, The Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anna Haukka
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Zoology Unit, The Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - William Morris
- Biodiversity Informatics Unit, Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sarella Arkkila
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Zoology Unit, The Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaspar Delhey
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Mihai Valcu
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - James Dale
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Aleksi Lehikoinen
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Zoology Unit, The Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Verbania Pallanza, Italy
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Wang Y, Shi J, Wu Y, Zhang W, Yang X, Lv H, Xia S, Zhao S, Tian J, Cui P, Xu J. Selection of Flagship Species and Their Use as Umbrellas in Bird Conservation: A Case Study in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1825. [PMID: 37889725 PMCID: PMC10251992 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of flagship species is widely used in conservation biology. Flagship birds play a key role in raising conservation funds, increasing awareness of biodiversity conservation, and maintaining ecosystem services. This study selected flagship bird species in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, and assessed their conservation effectiveness and ability to serve as umbrella species. A regional bird survey program from 2019-2022 recorded 361 bird species in Lishui. This study constructed a framework of flagship species selection based on social, ecological, economic, and cultural criteria. The analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EM) was used to rank the score of 361 bird species, and the MaxEnt model was used to analyze the suitable distribution areas of these species. Finally, 10 species, which covered the distribution sites of all 361 bird species, were selected as the flagship species of Lishui. The distribution areas covered all the nature reserves and the priority areas of biodiversity of Lishui, in which these 10 species can also serve as umbrella species to protect local biodiversity. The methodology and ideas in this study could provide insights into the application of conservation concepts at the local level, as well as suggest possible recommendations for local governments to select flagship species for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 East Qinghua Road Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Jie Shi
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Yi Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Huanxin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.L.); (S.X.)
| | - Shaoxia Xia
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (H.L.); (S.X.)
| | - Shengjun Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Jing Tian
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Peng Cui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Research Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; (J.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (X.Y.); (S.Z.); (J.T.)
| | - Jiliang Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 35 East Qinghua Road Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China;
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4
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Manitzas Hill HM, Svetieva E, Dietrich S, Gallegos E, Humphries J, Mireles N, Salgado M, Lara R, Zwahr J. The influence of background music and narrative setting on anthropomorphic judgements of killer whale (Orcinus orca) emotional states and subsequent donation behavior. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282075. [PMID: 37224091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal documentary films such as Blackfish, considered nonfiction accounts of reality, nonetheless use rhetorical devices to engage viewers and shape their emotional experience for maximum effect. Such devices can also influence attitudes and alter behavior. In animal documentaries, anthropomorphic impressions of the animals by audiences are key. Using general population samples in the US, three online experiments assessed the influence of background music and narrative setting on how viewers emotionally appraised the emotional state of a killer whale (Orcinus orca) and subsequently donated to causes affiliated with killer whales. While happy music led to perceptions of a happy whale, sad music led to perceptions of a sad whale. mediation analyses showed that these perceptions indirectly influence donation behavior, via beliefs about the killer whale's welfare and wellbeing. Analyses also indicated that the highest donation amounts towards killer whales were elicited from footage depicting a killer whale in the wild, with sad background music. These findings highlight the potential power that animal and nature documentaries have over viewers, which, when combined with human tendencies toward anthropomorphism, can have significant influence on conservation attitudes and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Svetieva
- Department of Communication, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America
| | - Sarah Dietrich
- Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Emily Gallegos
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Jeffery Humphries
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Mireles
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TN, United States of America
| | - Mario Salgado
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Roberto Lara
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Zwahr
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
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5
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Samojlik T, Daszkiewicz P, Fedotova A, Ričkienė A, Cielemęcka O, Szczygielska M. Evolution of European bison image and its implications for current species conservation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281113. [PMID: 36719893 PMCID: PMC9888683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual media are one of the fastest and most effective tools informing the public about conservation goals and convincing societies to support conservation actions. Similar mechanisms functioned in the past, only within a much longer time scale and different communication channels. We analyse the evolution of European bison's depictions between 1500 and 1900 in the context of building public awareness of the species and its conservation needs. Experts evaluated the anatomical accuracy of thirty eight images of the species from the period analysed, and their conservation appeal was assessed by using an online survey of the general public. Existing knowledge and previous publications allowed authors to describe the development of the scientific knowledge about European bison in 1500-1900. By juxtaposing this with anatomical accuracy of depictions, a conclusion was reached that the accuracy of depictions was not directly linked to the state of knowledge about the species. In the survey, the public reception of the accuracy of historical pictures of European bison, as well as their potential to be used in conservation campaigns, was connected with subjective appeal of depicted animals. This lesson can be translated to modern conservation campaigns using mass media and global communication channels: popularization of knowledge on species of concern should be accompanied by appealing depictions of these species to strengthen public reception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Samojlik
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Piotr Daszkiewicz
- UMS PatriNat (OFB-CNRS-MNHN), Muséum National D’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Anastasia Fedotova
- Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Olga Cielemęcka
- Department of Gender Studies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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6
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van Tongeren E, Sistri G, Zingaro V, Cini A, Dapporto L, Portera M. Assessing the aesthetic attractivity of European butterflies: A web-based survey protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283360. [PMID: 37167232 PMCID: PMC10174575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aesthetic attractivity stands as an underestimated yet fundamental feature of species in conservation biology, significantly driving disproportionate protection efforts towards charismatic species. Despite the evidence, few attempts sought to precisely quantify the impact of aesthetic attractivity in defining priority of species for conservation actions (e.g. inclusion in International Union for Conservation of Nature red lists and protection lists). This study protocol describes the setting of an online test (available from April 2022 to April 2023 at www.unveiling.eu) designed to i) quantify the aesthetic attractivity to humans of the 496 European butterfly species and ii) identify which features (both in the perceived animal and in the perceiver) influence the aesthetic attractivity of a given butterfly species. The test is divided in 5 sections (personal data, ranking, single morphological features, emotional engagement, dispositional variables) aimed at profiling the relation each participant has with the species examined. In the long-term, evaluating butterflies' aesthetic attractivity could facilitate the critical assessment of current conservation strategies, such as the process of selection of flag and umbrella species by research institutions, environmental associations and Non Governative Organizations. This is expected to provide the much-needed evidence to set up unbiased biodiversity conservation strategies and counteract the selective anthropogenic pressure which favours the extinction of unattractive species, being no or less protected compared to charismatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia van Tongeren
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ginevra Sistri
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Zingaro
- Department of Humanities and Philosophy, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Dapporto
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Portera
- Department of Humanities and Philosophy, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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7
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Kubo T, Yokoo H, Veríssimo D. Conservation fundraising: Evidence from social media and traditional mail field experiments. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kubo
- Biodiversity Division National Institute for Environmental Studies Tsukuba Japan
- Department of Biology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- School of Anthropology & Conservation University of Kent Kent UK
| | - Hide‐Fumi Yokoo
- Graduate School of Economics Hitotsubashi University Kunitachi Japan
- Social Systems Division National Institute for Environmental Studies Tsukuba Japan
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8
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Pearson EL, Mellish S, McLeod EM, Sanders B, Ryan JC. Can we save Australia’s endangered wildlife by increasing species recognition? J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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9
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Xu J, Jiang A. Effects of nature contact on children's willingness to conserve animals under rapid urbanization. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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10
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Lundberg P, Arponen A. An overview of reviews of conservation flagships: evaluating fundraising ability and surrogate power. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.81219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The main role of flagship species in biodiversity conservation is to raise awareness and funds for conservation. Because of their marketing role, flagship species are often selected based on other than biodiversity related criteria, such as species charisma or aesthetic appeal. Nonetheless, funds raised through flagship species are often used to protect the species itself, making it important to evaluate the effectiveness of flagship species as conservation tools: For example, could superior fundraising ability outweigh the low biodiversity surrogate power of a flagship, justifying this ambivalent role in conservation? To assess flagship effectiveness from this dual perspective, we must synthesize evidence on a) the fundraising potential of flagship species vs. other conservation targets, such as ecosystems or biodiversity, and b) the biodiversity surrogate power of potential flagship taxa. We approached this broad topic through an overview of reviews on both subtopics. We found no evidence that charismatic flagship species were superior fundraisers over other conservation targets. In addition, studies evaluating the biodiversity surrogacy power of different taxa had mainly resulted in mixed findings, contesting the overall usefulness of the concept in conservation. The variability of study setups and methods made comparisons between studies difficult, highlighting the need to standardize future research (e.g., standardizing explanatory variables). Further possible reasons for lack of conclusive evidence on fundraising potential are the dominance of factors other than flagship identity (e.g., scope and conservation status) and differences in donor preferences. We recommend Environmental NGOs to develop and diversify their fundraising strategies based on best available knowledge, and rely less on mere species charisma.
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11
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The Use of Live Action, Animation, and Computer-Generated Imagery in the Depiction of Non-Human Primates in Film. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121576. [PMID: 35739912 PMCID: PMC9219458 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For over 100 years, non-human primates (primates) have been a part of the now hundred-billion-dollar global film industry in a variety of capacities. Their use in the film industry is of concern due to the negative welfare effects on individuals, the potential for increased pet trade, and the conservation impacts of public perception. While the effects on human perception of using live primates in film have been studied, little research has been performed on their appearance in animation and none in computer-generated imagery (CGI). We aimed to investigate how the portrayal of primates varied between depiction medium types and how this related to the films’ performance with critics and in the box office. We observed 151 primates in 101 different English-speaking films that debuted between 2000 and 2019. For each appearance we recorded aspects of primate portrayals based on accuracy, anthropomorphism, environment, and agency displayed, along with the depiction medium. We used structural equation models to depict the highest likelihood of the portrayal aspects on the medium’s relationship to the films gross profit worldwide and film critic consensus scores. We found that over the 20-year time frame, use of live primates has decreased, CGI has increased, and animations have remained relatively steady. While animation had no significant relationship to gross profit or critic consensus, both were significantly lower for films that used live primates and were significantly higher for films that used CGI primates. Due to the steady increase in the use of the CGI medium and its positive relationship with gross profit and critic consensus, it could have great effects on people’s perceptions of primates and implications for conservation efforts.
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12
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Eylering A, Büscher M, Funk M, Boldt J, Fiebelkorn F. Willingness of the German population to donate toward bird conservation An application of the Protection Motivation Theory. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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13
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Macdonald D, Johnson P, Burnham D, Dickman A, Hinks A, Sillero-Zubiri C, Macdonald E. Understanding Nuanced Preferences For Carnivore Conservation: To Know Them Is Not Always To Love Them. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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14
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Public attitudes and willingness to pay toward the conservation of Crested Ibis: Insights for management. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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15
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Ryba R, Dry MJ, Connell SD. Climate Donations Inspired by Evidence-Based Fundraising. Front Psychol 2022; 13:768823. [PMID: 35321034 PMCID: PMC8936950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.768823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Everyone has an opportunity to contribute to climate solutions. To help people engage with this opportunity, it is critical to understand how climate organizations and fundraisers can best communicate with people and win their financial support. In particular, fundraisers often rely on practical skills and anecdotal beliefs at the expense of scientific knowledge. Fundraisers could be motivated to achieve a substantial boost in funding for climate solutions, if there is evidence of the financial gains that science-based fundraising makes available. In this Perspective, we provide a preliminary foray into such evidence. We bring together findings from philanthropic research and climate psychology to identify what factors can help captivate donors. Then, through an experimental study of a charitable appeal for a climate charity, we show how putting these factors into practice may contribute toward an increase in donated money. This provides optimism that evidence-based fundraising can inspire donors to contribute much-needed resources toward climate solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Ryba
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Dry
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sean D. Connell
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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16
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Dörge L, Büscher M, Drews J, Eylering A, Fiebelkorn F. German Laypeople's Willingness to Donate Toward Insect Conservation: Application of an Extended Protection Motivation Theory. Front Psychol 2022; 12:773913. [PMID: 35095658 PMCID: PMC8790244 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential to engage the public in conservation measures to conserve insects. We investigate the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), as well as knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education level, and income) as predictors of willingness to donate (WTD) and actual donations to insect conservation for a representative German sample (N = 515; MAge = 49.36, SD = 16.73; female = 50.1%). The PMT subcomponents severity, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, as well as attitudes toward insects, income, and education level, significantly predicted WTD. In contrast, severity, response barriers, age, gender, and the WTD significantly influenced actual donations. Overall, components of the PMT have high predictive power for both dependent variables. Our results suggest that an intention-behavior gap exists between the intention to donate and the actual donation toward insect conservation. Measures to increase WTD and actual donations for insect conservation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dörge
- Department of Biology Didactics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Milan Büscher
- Department of Biology Didactics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jasmin Drews
- Department of Biology Didactics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Annike Eylering
- Department of Biology Didactics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Florian Fiebelkorn
- Department of Biology Didactics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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17
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Fančovičová J, Prokop P, Repáková R, Medina-Jerez W. Factors Influencing the Sponsoring of Animals in Slovak Zoos. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:21. [PMID: 35011128 PMCID: PMC8749688 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbance causes biodiversity loss, and consequently the captive conservation (ex situ) of threatened animals may be an effective strategy in protecting species. We used estimated body mass, phylogenetic closeness with humans, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status, and species attractiveness scores, to examine the factors influencing the adoption likelihood of a species in all Slovak zoos. In general, vertebrates received more funding than invertebrates, and mammals were the preferred taxa by private contributors. In terms of funding, we propose that the perception of mammals as phylogenetically close to humans, and attractiveness factor, contribute to an advantage over less attractive and phylogenetically distant species. Conservation status also contributed to the amount of donations; however, the magnitude of these relationships was weak when compared to the effect of animal taxa. These results suggest that Slovak zoos might be more successful in raising donations by breeding threatened species, and raising public awareness about these animal species. Displaying popular, flagship species of non-mammal taxa may increase interest among the public as well, and may translate into a significant growth in the amount of donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Fančovičová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Trnava University, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovakia; (J.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Róberta Repáková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Trnava University, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovakia; (J.F.); (R.R.)
| | - William Medina-Jerez
- Teacher Education Department, College of Education, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA;
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Abd Rahman MF, Matthew NK. Fish Hobbyists’ Willingness to Donate for Wild Fighting Fish (Betta livida) Conservation in Klang Valley. SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 13:10754. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Betta livida is an endangered endemic species of wild fighting fish affected by habitat degradation and exploitation. Despite this concern, the literature on the conservation of wild betta is negligible. Conservation is a non-use value, whereas the species itself is a use-value because they are sought after in the ornamental fish trade business. Therefore, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was applied in this study to establish the monetary value for species conservation by determining hobbyists’ willingness to donate (WTD) for conservation. Fish hobbyists are the most prominent backbone of the industry and are the most acquainted with the targeted species. Hence, hobbyists’ knowledge, perceptions and attitude towards species conservation have also been explored and weighed against the WTD. Purposive sampling was employed with a total of 150 respondents in Klang Valley. The findings show that the WTD was influenced by double-bound CVM, age (AGE) and hobbyists who owned the species (OWNB). In contrast, knowledge, perceptions and attitudes were not significant. Using probit regression analysis, hobbyists’ WTD for species conservation was MYR 9.04 annually. The survey also revealed concern for species that are wild-caught by hobbyists. Hence, the results of this study offer preliminary insights into the WTD for wild betta and local freshwater fish conservation in Malaysia.
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19
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Identifying the characteristics of conservation areas that appeal to potential flagship campaign donors. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605321000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The conservation flagship approach is a valuable tool for raising funds and awareness, but species-based campaigns have been criticized for providing little benefit to wider biodiversity. One possible solution is to use conservation areas as flagships, but we lack data on the types of area that most appeal to potential donors. Here, we used an online choice experiment involving hypothetical overseas conservation areas to investigate how respondents value a series of conservation area attributes. We calculated the average willingness to pay for each attribute and assessed preference heterogeneity. Our results suggest that community ownership is valued the most, followed by the presence of threatened bird species, low current funding in the conservation area, the presence of charismatic mammals, and charity ownership. Respondents could be divided into three groups, based on their education, environmental organization membership and income. The group of respondents who were less wealthy and were members of environmental organizations were not willing to pay for this kind of conservation action, suggesting that flagship area campaigns targeted at them should encourage other types of involvement. The other two groups, which included respondents who were less engaged in conservation (neither group included environmental organization members, with one group less wealthy and less educated, and the other wealthier), found community ownership particularly appealing, suggesting that many potential donors may be driven by social concerns. This is a key finding and suggests flagship conservation areas could attract a new audience of donors, helping to support current global efforts to increase the management effectiveness, connectivity and extent of protected areas and land under other effective area-based conservation measures.
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Kubo T, Veríssimo D, Uryu S, Mieno T, MacMillan D. What determines the success and failure of environmental crowdfunding? AMBIO 2021; 50:1659-1669. [PMID: 33754325 PMCID: PMC8285433 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Online crowdfunding can help address the perennial financial shortfalls in environmental conservation and management. Although many online crowdfunding campaigns fail to collect any funds due to not achieving their targets, little is known about what drives success. To address this knowledge gap, we applied a mixed-methods approach to data from 473 successful and failed campaigns hosted on the online crowdfunding platform Readyfor. We found that fundraising performance varied by topic, with campaigns on pet animal management outperforming those focussed on landscape management and sustainable use. We also found that marketing strategies associated with online findability and increased reach through social networks, increased fundraising success. However, the existence of other environmental campaigns running simultaneously, reduced the chance of success, which implies that the selecting popular topics does not always increase the likelihood of success due to increased competition. Wider applications of marketing could enhance the ability of environmental crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kubo
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, 78 Marlowe Building, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK.
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan.
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Shinya Uryu
- Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Taro Mieno
- Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, USA
| | - Douglas MacMillan
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, 78 Marlowe Building, Canterbury, CT2 7NR, UK
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21
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Díaz‐Restrepo A, Balcombe K, Fraser I, Smith RJ, Veríssimo D. Testing branding techniques on species common names to improve their fundraising profile for conservation. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Díaz‐Restrepo
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Kelvin Balcombe
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
| | - Iain Fraser
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
- School of Economics University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Robert J. Smith
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
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22
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Spooner SL, Stride JR. Animal-human two-shot images: Their out-of-context interpretation and the implications for zoo and conservation settings. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:563-574. [PMID: 34223658 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Images containing both animals and humans (two-shot images) are popular across social media and zoo advertising. However, these images, even when taken in ethical and conservation settings, have the potential for misinterpretation and may inadvertently promote the illegal wildlife trade, exotic pet trade or photo-prop industries. We examined whether zoo visitors' (n = 531) attitudes and stated Willingness to Donate (WTD) altered depending on whether they viewed a two-shot image set in a photo-prop setting (typically associated with negative welfare) or in a zoo or wild setting. All images, including photo-prop, were generally viewed positively regardless of context. Zoo-based images received a greater number of comments relating to concern for the animal's environment or welfare compared to other images, although numbers were still relatively low. This indicates a lack of awareness about the photo-prop industry and misconceptions about modern welfare practices in zoos, thus reflecting a need for improved education in these areas. Two-shot images in zoo settings elicited significantly higher stated WTD than images in wild or photo-prop settings or when an animal was pictured alone. Suggesting zoo-based images may be more effective for conservation campaigns than traditional images of an animal in its environment. Furthermore, images featuring a uniformed keeper plus an animal do not appear to increasing desire for pet ownership, indicating that they can be used in zoo advertising with minimal negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Louise Spooner
- School of Animal, Rural, and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, UK.,Centre for Integrated Research, Conservation, Learning and Education (CIRCLE), Askham Bryan University Centre and Flamingo Land Resort Partnership, Malton, UK
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Pérez B, Álvarez B, Boso A, Lisón F. Design and Psychometric Properties of the BAtSS: A New Tool to Assess Attitudes towards Bats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020244. [PMID: 33498185 PMCID: PMC7908982 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the benefits that bats offer the ecosystem, these animals are feared due to mythological beliefs and their association with dirt and disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation, exacerbating the already habitual attacks on bats. Today there is an urgent need to address the human–bat conflict to develop conservation policies. Understanding peoples’ attitudes towards bats is a crucial part of this process. This study aimed to design the Bats Attitudes Standard Scale (BAtSS) and to analyze its properties. We developed a scale and analyzed its properties in a sample of 1639 Chileans. The final BAtSS consists of 34 questions on a five-point response scale. It has four factors (scientistic, positivistic, negativistic, and myths) and three subfactors (emotional negativistic, behavioral negativistic, and cognitive negativistic). The results showed that the scale was reliable and valid for measuring participants’ attitudes. Women and participants with a lower level of education were more negativistic and less positivistic. People with a higher level of education had a less mythological view of bats. We also analyzed the attitudes which would be more/less difficult to change. The BAtSS is an adequate tool and could help to understand and solve human–wildlife conflicts. Abstract Despite the benefits that bats offer the ecosystem, these animals are feared and attacked. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation. Today there is an urgent need to address the human-bat conflict to develop conservation policies. Understanding peoples’ attitudes towards bats are critical for this process. This study aimed to design the Bats Attitudes Standard Scale (BAtSS) and to analyze its psychometric properties. We developed an initial version of the scale in which we established the content validity; we analyzed the items and structure in a pilot sample. In the next phase, we examined psychometric properties in a sample of 1639 Chileans. The final BAtSS consists of 34 Likert-type items configured in an oblique-hierarchical structure of four factors (scientistic, positivistic, negativistic, and myths) and three facets (emotional negativistic, behavioral negativistic, and cognitive negativistic). It presents adequate internal consistency, and the analysis of concurrent validity confirms the scale’s capacity to discriminate between groups. Women and participants with a lower level of education are more negativistic and less positivistic. People with a higher level of education have a less mythological view of bats. We also analyzed the items under the assumptions of item response theory (IRT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pérez
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-045-2596681
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4813302, Chile
| | - Alex Boso
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
| | - Fulgencio Lisón
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medioambiente, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile;
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
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Aseres SA, Sira RK. Estimating visitors' willingness to pay for a conservation fund: sustainable financing approach in protected areas in Ethiopia. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04500. [PMID: 32923705 PMCID: PMC7475108 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of protected areas (PAs) are being established in many countries to conserve and preserve the wildlife species and to maintain earth's ecological balance, but in emerging economies such as Ethiopia, PAs are currently confronted with inadequate conservation funding that makes it tough to protect the remaining biodiversity. PAs, therefore try to use other financial means such as ecotourism to subsidize their financial shortage and nourishes the nexus between conservation and development. Estimation of visitors' willingness to pay (WTP) would be useful to craft strategies to strengthen the self-financing capability of PAs and hence realizing environmental and livelihood goals. In this study, the visitors' WTP for the proposed conservation fund in the context of Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) was estimated using a contingent valuation method. The finding indicated that 75% of visitors were willing to pay a conservation fee. The mean WTP was estimated to be US$7.40 for foreign visitors and US$1.00 for domestic visitors. The finding suggests that the implementation of conservation fee in addition to the existing entry fee helps to improve the long-term sustainable financing of PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sintayehu Aynalem Aseres
- Department of Tourism Management, Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia and PhD. Scholar at School of Management Studies in Punjabi University, India.,School of Management Studies, Punjabi University, India
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Fernández‐Bellon D, Kane A. Natural history films raise species awareness-A big data approach. Conserv Lett 2020; 13:e12678. [PMID: 32194654 PMCID: PMC7074017 DOI: 10.1111/conl.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In urbanized societies that are increasingly disconnected from nature, communicating ecological and species awareness is crucial to revert the global environmental crisis. However, our understanding of the effectiveness of this process is limited. We present a framework for describing how such awareness may be transferred and test it on the popular BBC show Planet Earth 2 by analyzing Twitter and Wikipedia big data activity. Despite lacking explicit conservation themes, this show generated species awareness, stimulating audience engagement for information at magnitudes comparable to those achieved by other conservation-focused campaigns. Results suggest that natural history films can provide vicarious connections to nature and can generate durable shifts in audience awareness beyond the broadcast of the show-key factors for changing environmental attitudes. More broadly, this study underscores how open-source big data analysis can inform effective dissemination of ecological awareness and provides a framework for future research for investigating behavioral change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darío Fernández‐Bellon
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES)University College CorkDistillery Fields, North MallCorkIreland
- Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkLee RoadCorkIreland
| | - Adam Kane
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES)University College CorkDistillery Fields, North MallCorkIreland
- School of Biology and Environmental Science and Earth InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
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Breen M, Anders N, Humborstad OB, Nilsson J, Tenningen M, Vold A. Catch Welfare in Commercial Fisheries. Anim Welf 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41675-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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