The Causes of Environmental Degradation and its Consequences on Environmental Behaviors (Case study: Tavalesh Villages in the West of Gilan)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D of Sociology, the Tendency to Study Social Issues in Iran, Department of Sociology Development, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

2 Professor of Environmental Sociology, Department of Develpoment Sociolgy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

 
With the increasing challenge of environmental problems in rural areas with a variety of natural ecosystems, the local nature of environmental degradation is also worth considering. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of external and natural factors of environmental degradation on the environmental behaviors of villagers in the rural areas of Talesh, Rezvanshahr, and Masal counties, which was conducted using a qualitative method. The study population includes 45 villagers and experts who were selected by purposive sampling method and maximal variation. The data obtained from semi-structured interviews were analyzed based on directed deductive qualitative content analysis. The credibility of the findings of this research was obtained by methods of selective credibility and credibility evaluation by communication method. Based on the concept of "the existence of objective problems of environmental degradation" as a modified concept extracted from Inglehart's theory of material/post-material values, 5 major categories, 7 subcategories, and 8 codes were extracted. According to the findings, excessive harvesting of natural resources, accumulation of garbage and waste in forests and seashores, smuggling of natural resources, and seizure and change of use of natural lands were identified as the most important objective issues of environmental degradation. The results indicate that the existence of objective issues of environmental degradation has had an adverse effect on the environmental behaviors of villagers and that environmentally destructive behaviors have become widespread in rural areas. The theoretical proposition resulting from the sum of findings is compiled as follows: “In rural areas, organized exploitation with a predominant commercial perspective is a representation of unsustainable management of natural resources. Meanwhile, the problem of waste disposal sites, smuggling of forest trees, livelihood exploitation of available natural resources by villagers due to the recognition of ownership rights, and natural crises in various forms and at broad and limited but pervasive levels, expand opportunities for double environmental destruction.” Responsible organizations pay serious attention to the problematic of environmental degradation and eliminate its causes. policy making for the exploitation of natural resources should be reviewed in line with the sustainable conservation of nature. This requires comprehensive studies.

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 03 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 April 2025

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