Open AccessPerceived influence over marine conservation: Determinants and implications of empowerment
Author(s) -
Nuno Ana,
Matos Litoney,
Metcalfe Kristian,
Godley Brendan J.,
Broderick Annette C.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12790
Subject(s) - empowerment , enforcement , resource (disambiguation) , business , marine conservation , collective action , action (physics) , fishing , environmental resource management , environmental planning , fishery , political science , geography , economic growth , economics , computer network , physics , quantum mechanics , politics , computer science , law , biology
Understanding empowerment is integral to facilitating sustainable use policies and requires assessing potential drivers. However, critical applications are rare in conservation. Using the island of Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe) as a case study, we undertook household surveys ( N = 869) to assess potential drivers of psychological empowerment towards conservation, measured as the perceived abilities of people to individually or collectively influence marine conservation outcomes, accounting for gender. Law enforcement, collective influence, freedom of choice and action, environmental condition and living in coastal community were key variables for understanding perceived personal influence. In particular, no‐fishing areas and raising awareness about sustainable practices were recommended by those with higher self‐perceived influence. Such information on target groups and factors to promote is essential for facilitating empowerment towards conservation and laying robust foundations for resource comanagement, especially given the role communities can play in the face of limited state capacity and enforcement.