Studying participatory behaviors of local communities in ecotourism-based natural resources conservation: Using the theory of planned behavior in Zagros Mountains, Iran

Ecotourism has been experiencing rapid growth in various regions, primarily due to its potential for economic development for local communities and environmental conservation. The active involvement of local communities in ecotourism-based natural resources conservation yields mutually beneficial outcomes for both the communities and conservation efforts. This study was conducted in the Galehgol traditional property, located in the Zagros Mountains in western Iran. The natural resources in this area have undergone significant degradation over time due to extensive utilization by the local population. In recent times, policymakers and natural resource managers have recognized the potential of participatory ecotourism plans in reducing local communities’ dependency on resources while simultaneously promoting conservation. As a pioneering research endeavor in the region, the main objective of this paper was to examine the intentions and behaviors of the local host community regarding their participation in the conservation of natural resources, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). To enhance the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior, this study incorporates the variable of Environmental Concern. Data from a sample of 278 local individuals were collected through questionnaires administered between June 2021 and May 2022. The collected data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling and Smart-Pls software. The questionnaire was specifically developed by the researchers for this study. The findings of the structural equation analysis revealed that in the initial TPB model, the three variables of Attitude, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Subjective Norms were collectively accounted for 54.5% and 61.4% of the variance in intention and behavior, respectively. When the environmental concern variable was added to the model, it enhanced the explanatory power to 66.8% for intention and 60.4% for behavior among the local community. The results indicated that attitude and subjective norms, in both the original and extended models, significantly influence the intentions of local communities towards conserving ecotourism natural resources. However, perceived behavioral control did not have a significant effect on intention in either model. On the other hand, the added variable of environmental concern demonstrated a significant impact on both intention and behavior among the local population. By addressing the research gap, this study contributes to a better understanding of the role of environmental concern in the context of conserving natural resources in ecotourism destinations. The findings can also serve as valuable insights for policymakers and natural resource managers in promoting local community participation in ecotourism planning efforts.