REGRESSION ANALYSIS ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF LOCAL COMMUNITY ATTITUDE AND INTENTION TOWARDS MANGROVE CONSERVATION

Mangrove forests are among the most productive environments. It also provides another valuable service as part of the Blue Carbon Initiative. It focuses on carbon in coastal ecosystems as a possible solution to global climate change. Nonetheless, mangrove degradation remains a significant environmental issue. Estimated 147,771 km of mangroves in 2020, around half the total loss of mangrove area between 2000 and 2020 (6,769 km). The local community is integral to conservation efforts, as evidenced by all legislation and regulations to reduce mangrove damage. The attitude and desire toward mangrove protection are critical for long-term management and preservation. This study examines the relationship between local community attitudes and mangrove conservation intentions. Questionnaires were distributed to the 217 respondents living near mangrove forests in Kuala Selangor. Descriptive, Pearson correlations and regression analyses were used to show how attitude affects local community intention to conserve mangroves. This study found that local community attitudes positively and significantly affected the intentions to conserve mangroves (r=0.764, p<0.01). A positive attitude will result in a positive intention for conservation. Significantly, this study can serve as a guideline for fostering a good attitude and awareness of mangrove conservation within the local community. Minimal contact with the local community resulted in limited participation in mangrove conservation initiatives. In summary, strong local support for sustainable mangrove forest management can be fostered when a positive relationship exists between attitudes and intentions toward mangrove conservation.