An evaluation of private landowner attitudes and behaviours towards wetlands and wetland conservation in the Lake Wairarapa wetland complex

Abstract

New Zealand has lost approximately 90% of its wetlands and the majority of remaining wetlands are now found on private land. Therefore it is important that private landowners are encouraged to protect their wetlands. The purpose of this study was to examine the behaviours and attitudes of private landowners at Lake Wairarapa to wetland conservation on private land. To achieve this, face-to-face interviews were carried out on 23 landowners at Lake Wairarapa with wetlands on their land. The environmental attitudes of landowners toward wetlands were assessed and a Pro-environmental Model by Kollmus and Agyeman (2002) was used to identify variables that affect environmental behaviour. To determine variables specific to wetland conservation, landowners were asked to self-assess the barriers and triggers to their own wetland conservation action. Attitudes towards wetlands were largely positive, although this did not result in widespread wetland conservation action. Private landowners identified significant barriers to wetland conservation. These included environmental values, financial support, land use restrictions and a lack of information. Triggers to wetland conservation suggested by landowners included more information, financial incentives, physical help and flexibility with perpetuity. It is important that the barriers and triggers identified by private landowners to wetland conservation on private land are incorporated into future wetland management and policy at Lake Wairarapa. to significantly increase wetland conservation on private land.