Influencing behaviour of visitors and residents in protected areas
Kai Elmauer, Elmauer Institute, Hallbergmoos (DE)
Appropriate user behavior is critical in protected areas. Many areas rely on information sharing through signage and printed materials, and enforcement to influence user behavior. Unfortunately this approach has been proven to be often ineffective. We present enhanced tools based on social sciences and social marketing that are suited to address inappropriate user behavior in such circumstances. The presentation describes the role of social processes to build stewardship communities, ways to strengthen support from of user groups, and techniques to directly influence user behavior.