Linking Human and Ecosystem Health: The Benefits of Community Involvement in Conservation Groups

Abstract

This study explored the health, well-being, and social capital benefits gained by community members who are involved in the management of land for conservation in six rural communities across Victoria. A total of 102 people participated in the study (64 males; 38 females) comprising 51 members of a community-based land management group and 51 controls matched by age and gender. Mixed methods were employed, including the use of an adapted version of Buckner's (1988) Community Cohesion Scale. The results indicate that involvement in the management of land for conservation may contribute to both the health and well-being of members, and to the social capital of the local community. The members of the land management groups rated their general health higher, reported visiting the doctor less often, felt safer in the local community, and utilized the skills that they have acquired in their lifetime more frequently than the control participants. Male members reported the highest level of general health, and the greatest satisfaction with daily activities. Members also reported a greater sense of belonging to the local community and a greater willingness to work toward improving their community than their control counterparts. Of equal importance is evidence that involvement in voluntary conservation work constitutes a means of building social capital in rural communities which may help reduce some of the negative aspects of rural life.

Improving Wellbeing and Environmental Stewardship Through Volunteering in Nature

“…It lifts your awareness of the environment…it's so delicate and pristine… It showed me that even though I haven't got lots of skills I can contribute Confidence and self-esteem, interacting with other people, learning about the different volunteer organisations and hearing all the different things people get out of volunteering When questioned in the exit interview as to what aspects of the program were of most benefit, most people (61%) highlighted the social aspect of the group, followed by learning about the environment (36%). As has been found in other studies, participants of EV groups gain a wide variety of benefits from their involvement, including the social aspects associated with membership of a group, mental and physical benefits and the knowledge that their contribution is helping to conserve the environment (Townsend and Marsh 2004;Moore et al 2007). This study shows that when engaging marginalised people in caring for the environment it is important to provide a space within which they can build social connections and relationships.…”

“…Marginalised people, such as the long-term unemployed, or those with mental or physical health problems, are less likely to participate in EV (O'Brien et al 2011). EV, however, has the capacity to involve margin- (Moore et al 2007) and encourage environmental stewardship (i.e. an attitude that protecting the natural environment is important) in the wider community.…”

“…While environmental volunteer groups primarily seek to protect the environment, involvement in these activities can also produce health and wellbeing benefits for communities and individuals with a range of differing abilities and from different socio-economic backgrounds (Moore et al 2007;Maller et al 2008;O'Brien et al 2010;Keniger et al 2013). Health-related benefits are wide ranging and include social capital, social inclusion, general health and wellbeing, physical health, cognitive performance and skill development (Maller et al 2008;O'Brien et al 2010;Keniger et al 2013).…”

“…improved psychological wellbeing, cognitive ability and social cohesion) is relatively new and still growing (see Maller et al 2008;Keniger et al 2013). Also, relatively new is the evidence that volunteering in nature (environmental volunteering), in particular, offers a unique way of optimising the wellbeing of participants (O'Brien et al 2010;O'Brien et al 2011) while conserving the environment (Moore et al 2007). …”

‘Doing Something Positive’: Volunteers’ Experiences of the Well-Being Benefits Derived from Practical Conservation Activities in Nature

“…This paper builds on previous research that has explored the motivations and/or benefits of volunteering; however, we focus specifically on environmental volunteering (Davis Smith 1999;Moore et al 2007;Ockenden 2007). Davis Smith (1999) developed a broad typology of motivations for volunteering that included mutual aid or self help, philanthropy, participation and advocacy or campaigning.…”