Perceived Biodiversity Loss and Willingness to Engage in Community Green Programs

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Authors

  • Safitri Samal Biology Education, Universitas Cenderawasih, Jayapura Papua, Indonesia. image/svg+xml
  • Edoward Krisson Raunsay Biology Education, Universitas Cenderawasih, Jayapura Papua, Indonesia. image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69725/ibr.v1i1.310

Keywords:

Biodiversity loss perception, environmental concern, community trust, green program engagement, environmental knowledge

Abstract

This study examines how perceived biodiversity loss affects students' intentions to participate in community-based green programs - environmental concern and community trust in environmental programs serve as mediators, while the exposure to an environmental knowledge platform acts as a moderator. Data were collected using a cross-sectional quantitative approach with recollection of past 12-month experience through structured questionnaires from 250 university students living and studying in the vicinity of the Cenderawasih forest area, Papua, Indonesia. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings also show that perceived biodiversity loss strongly enhances environmental concern while additionally having a harmful direct effect on community trust. Environmental concern and community trust each have significant positive direct effects on willingness to participate in community green programs, with a mediating effect between nature loss perception and intention. The relationship between perceived biodiversity loss and environmental concern is stronger among those exposed to knowledge about the environment, indicating a role of exposure in magnifying pro-environmental responses. This paper provides evidence empirically that psychological and relational mechanisms of how perceptions of biodiversity were channeling community engagement. The original contribution of this study is the integration of loss perception of biodiversity, street-level dual mediation mechanisms, and knowledge-based moderation into a classroom near-forest student sample in a developing area. The results have implications for the development of community-based conservation initiatives focusing on education and trust-building in order to increase local participation.

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Published

2025-06-10

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): June

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Copyright (c) 2025 Safitri Samal, Edoward Krisson Raunsay (Author)

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Perceived Biodiversity Loss and Willingness to Engage in Community Green Programs. (2025). Innovation Biology Research, 1(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.69725/ibr.v1i1.310

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