Influence of wilderness experience on the adoption of environmentally responsible behaviour
Date
2007-12
Authors
De Wet, Benita
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Conventional environmental education programmes appear to have limitations in
precipitating the radical change needed to solve major environmental problems. In
this study the potential of wilderness experience (WE) as a catalyst for developing
ecoliteracy and consequent adoption of environmentally responsible behaviour
(ERB), are discussed. Attitudinal changes and adoption of ERB by adult participants,
following a weekend WE conducted in the Pilanesberg National Park, located in the
North-West Province of South Africa, were probed through group and individual
interviews over a period of time. Results indicate that WE may be a significant
catalyst in developing ecoliteracy, while effects on adoption of ERB are diluted by
several factors – both personal and structural (societal). The role of the wilderness
guide in facilitating effective re-connection with nature, and stimulating the
development and growth of ecoliteracy in individual participants in the WE, is
highlighted. It is suggested that WE provides a substantive addition to the
mechanisms available for experiential environmental education programmes, in that
it accesses different ways of learning that focus on the emotional and spiritual
elements of the human connection to nature.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Environmental education -- South Africa, Environmentally responsible behaviour, Environmental literacy, Dissertations -- Public management and planning, Theses -- Public management and planning