Work

Fostering urban nature: How identity dynamics and future envisioning drive biodiversity conservation in cities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the psychological drivers of biodiversity conservation behaviours in urban and peri-urban settings, focusing on the role of nature experiences, identity dynamics, and future envisioning. A correlational study was conducted with 2052 French urban and peri-urban residents, assessing their (declared) engagement in pro-biodiversity behaviours (both individual and collective) and policy support, and psychological predictors. Results show that nature connectedness and pro-environmental identity dynamics (self- and social-identity) strongly predict pro-biodiversity behaviours. Additionally, the ability to imagine a sustainable future significantly influences biodiversity-supportive behaviours, particularly through perceived desirability and plausibility of future eco-friendly societies. The study offers practical insights for urban planning and environmental communication, suggesting that fostering a sense of environmental social identity and promoting positive future visions can enhance collective action for biodiversity conservation.

Source: Biological Conservation

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111451

Authors: Lucia Bosone, Aurore Grandin, Marie Chevrier, Carla Jullien, Franck Zenasni, Julie Collange

Institutions: Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychologie et d’Ergonomie Appliquées, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, École Normale Supérieure - PSL

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Education and Sustainability

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830