Fostering urban nature: How identity dynamics and future envisioning drive biodiversity conservation in cities

This study examines the psychological drivers of biodiversity conservation behaviours in urban and peri-urban settings, focusing on the role of nature experiences, identity dynamics, and future envisioning. A correlational study was conducted with 2052 French urban and peri-urban residents, assessing their (declared) engagement in pro-biodiversity behaviours (both individual and collective) and policy support, and psychological predictors. Results show that nature connectedness and pro-environmental identity dynamics (self- and social-identity) strongly predict pro-biodiversity behaviours. Additionally, the ability to imagine a sustainable future significantly influences biodiversity-supportive behaviours, particularly through perceived desirability and plausibility of future eco-friendly societies. The study offers practical insights for urban planning and environmental communication, suggesting that fostering a sense of environmental social identity and promoting positive future visions can enhance collective action for biodiversity conservation.