| Abstract [eng] |
The main purpose of the thesis is to determine, how biodiversity conservation processes are being improved by civic engagement. Research methods used are as follows: the analysis of literature, data collection (interview and survey), statistical analysis. Methods used for statistical analysis – to identify, whether questionnaire is valid – factorial analysis; to determine whether constructs are reliable – Conbach alpha coefficients were calculated; in addition, descriptive statistics were also used; in order to identify factors, that determine engagement in biodiversity conservation issues – linear regression; to identify relationships between variables – correlation was used. Study took place from December 2019 to March 2020. During qualitative study 3 subject matter exsperts were interviewed, during quantitative analysis – 405 questionnaires gathered. Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0, visualisations and graphs conducted using Microsoft Excel. According to literature review, 4 main levels of civic engagement identified – non-participation, informing and consulting, partnership and when citizens decide. In addition, 4 main engagement in biodiversity issues factor groups identified, which are: individual factors, contextual factors (social and physical context), experiences of nature and framing. It should be highlighted, that by enhancing aesthetic experience, ecological understanding increases, which is then interconnected with social motivation for conservation, which leads to higher biodiversity levels and more effective ecological services functioning. During the qualitative study, subject matter experts identified factors, related to engagement in biodiversity conservation – anxiety, value crisis, education and additional promotion measures. It was concluded, that additional promotion steps should be taken prior to education, as public should identify tangible benefits to engage in biodiversity conservation related issues. While analysing qualitative study results, it came clear, that respondents value experiences in nature and it’s importance, however, respondents also avoid personal responsibility in biodiversity conservation; from the conducted survey, we can coclude, that citizens are not engaged or are weakly engaged in biodiversity conservation issues, which would mean, that in the model of civic engagement (Vogler ir kt., 2017) we are in the middle of two levels – between ‘non-participation’ and ‘informing and consulting’. Regression equation justifies, that individual factors (motivation, values, risk perception and sense of personal responsibility), as well as framing are statistically significant (p<0,01) and have effect on dependant variable. |
