Understanding and influencing behaviors in conservation and natural resources management

This study examines processes for understanding the context and motivations underlying behaviors relevant to conservation and natural resource management, as well as processes for influencing those behaviors to promote resource sustainability. Chapter II examines existing models for understanding and influencing behavior and then presents a new model. This model hierarchically links means (activities and actors) to ends (social and environmental change) and is divided into four stages: assessment and research; planning; implementation; and evaluation. Since efforts to influence behavior often rest on untested assumptions, the remainder of the study stresses the first stage, and includes detailed analysis of the steps involved in the assessment and research process (Chapter III), a review of the methods and tools available for assessment (Chapter IV), and examples of how specific information-gathering tools can be matched with each step of the assessment process (Chapter V). Chapter VI provides examples of how to use assessment results to design and implement activities aimed at influencing behavior; dispute resolution is also discussed. Chapter VII briefly summarizes pertinent literature on evaluation. Includes extensive references (p. 115-125), as well as numerous figures and sidebars describing natural resource conservation efforts worldwide.