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Post-Pandemic Shifts in Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors in a Marine Protected Area

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  • Mar Vila

    (Economics, Finance and Accounting Department & Research Group on Tourism Management, GRUGET, Ramon Llull University, Esade, 08172 Sant Cugat, Spain)

  • Gerard Costa

    (Marketing Management Department & Research Group on Tourism Management, GRUGET, Ramon Llull University, Esade, 08172 Sant Cugat, Spain)

Abstract

Interest in understanding environmental attitudes and behaviors after traumatic events has been widely studied, but research specific to the COVID-19 pandemic has yielded inconclusive results. This study addresses a gap by exploring the relationship between COVID-19 and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in marine protected areas (MPAs), which are vital for preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity. We focus on scuba divers’ environmental attitudes and behaviors within an MPA, using a mixed methodology that combines surveys based on the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale with covert participant observation. Our findings indicate a moderate increase in pro-environmental concerns post-pandemic, particularly regarding nature’s fragility. However, a gap remains between expressed attitudes and actual behaviors, with notable differences in pro-ecological behavior during leisure activities compared to behavior at home. Additionally, risk perception related to COVID-19 has gained prominence, often overshadowing environmental concerns. This study contributes to a better understanding of environmental attitudes and behaviors in the context of MPAs during the ongoing social changes post-COVID-19. These insights can guide more sustainable management of MPAs and inform future research, which should further explore these trends in similar contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Mar Vila & Gerard Costa, 2024. "Post-Pandemic Shifts in Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors in a Marine Protected Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7410-:d:1465658
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