Community attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour: An empirical investigation within MPAs, Malaysia

This study examines the establishment of Marine Park Areas (MPAs) in Malaysia with specific reference to the Tioman, Redang and Tinggi Islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This study examines the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on community attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour. As a means to protect and conserve the vulnerable and threatened marine life, our efforts seek to assess the residents׳ wellbeing and identify major environmental issues associated with MPAs in provision of sustainable and reasonable progress in ways that assist marine life, coastal communities and economies. This paper found that demographic variables like age (β=0.210), gender (β=0.276), and socio-economic factors such as education (β=0.100), occupation (β=0.141), income (β=0.177) environmental wellbeing (EWB) (β=0.366), awareness (AWNS) (β=0.611), and social issues (SI) (β=0.389) have positive significant impact on attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour. This implies that demographic and socio-economic factors influence MPAs communities׳ attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour. This study is set to assist policy makers to formulate better conservational policies for enhanced conservation of marine resources as well as promote positive socio-economic development among MPAs communities.