1. Investigating The Environmental and Avi-Values and Birding Behaviour of Gauteng's Youth.
- Author
-
Conradie, Nicolene and Van Zyl, Ciné
- Subjects
ECOTOURISM ,BIRDING sites ,BIRD ecology ,TOURIST attractions ,ENVIRONMENTAL psychology - Abstract
South Africa, specifically Gauteng has a rich bird biodiversity, making it an ideal ecotourism destination, which can foster local economic development and create job opportunities. Yet birding habitats are under severe threat in this province. Thus, enthusiasm for birds amongst the residents of this province is touted as a means to promote a groundswell of support for preserving bird habitats in Gauteng. As such, it is crucial to encourage support for birds, bird habitats and avitourism within the youth of the province. Therefore, this research study sought to determine if environmental and avi-values, alongside promoting pro-environmental behaviour could encourage Gauteng's youth to adopt pro-bird behaviours. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to collect data from 5 488 secondary school learners (aged 13-17 years). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to test these relationships. The SEM-results revealed that enjoyment of birds and the natural environment is a critical focus area that enhances the likelihood of pro-environmental and avi-behaviour. Environmental education in the form of an intervention programme amongst the youth is recommended for bird biodiversity, bird habitats and, therefore, avitourism in the province to be fostered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF