Conformity and tradition are more important than environmental values in constraining resource overharvest

We present the results of a hybrid research design that borrows from both experimental techniques-experimental games-and observational techniques-surveys-to examine the relationships between basic human values and exposure to natural ecosystems, on the one hand, and collective action for resource governance, on the other. We initially hypothesize that more frequent exposure to forests, and more pro-environmental values will be associated with more conservation action. However, we find that other values-tradition and conformity-are more important than pro-environmental values or exposure to nature. Our results imply that resource governance is likely to be more successful where resource users hold values that facilitate cooperation, not necessarily strong pro-environmental values.

Automated summary

We conducted a study using a hybrid research design that combined experimental games and surveys to investigate the relationships between human values, nature exposure, and collective action for resource governance. Our initial hypothesis was that more exposure to forests and pro-environmental values would lead to more conservation action. However, we found that tradition and conformity values were more influential than pro-environmental values or nature exposure. These results suggest that resource governance is more likely to succeed when resource users hold values that promote cooperation, rather than solely having strong pro-environmental values.