What explains citizens’ valuations of and attitudes towards agricultural biodiversity? Results of an exploratory survey of Dutch students

We report on the findings of an exploratory survey aimed at uncovering the above mechanisms among a specific subgroup of Dutch citizens: students. We conclude that (a) students appreciate the intrinsic and aesthetic values of agrobiodiversity to some extent, but not its instrumental value; (b) valuations correlate with students’ fundamental values; (c) students’ attitudes correlate strongly to how they value agrobiodiversity. We recommend follow-up research among a more representative sample of Dutch citizens, with the aims to further test the mechanisms, assess valuations of agrobiodiversity by Dutch citizens in general and explore whether and how these valuations can be enhanced by the provision of information about the intrinsic and aesthetic values of agrobiodiversity.
Source: NJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research