Do motivations contribute to local residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors? Resident-destination relationship and pro-environmental climate perspective

Motivations significantly influence local residents' engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, both directly and indirectly through their relationship with the destination. A study of 566 residents in Xidi and Hongcun, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Anhui, found that egoistic and altruistic motivations enhance pro-environmental actions when coupled with strong pro-environmental identification and commitment. Additionally, a supportive pro-environmental climate strengthens these direct effects, acting as a boundary condition. This research clarifies the mechanisms by which motivations drive sustainable behaviors, offering practical insights for tourism management in heritage sites.

Wang, S., Wang, J., Li, J., & Yang, F. (2019). Do motivations contribute to local residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors? Resident-destination relationship and pro-environmental climate perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 28(6), 834–852. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1707215