A Study on Environmental Perception of Nature Park Volunteers – A Case of Guandu Nature Park

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the Guandu Nature Park volunteers participation motivation and environmental perception, and to explore the relationships between the different characteristics of the Guandu Nature Park volunteers and participation motivation and environmental perception. Taiwan’s natural resources management is often led by the government. ''Nature Park'', which is different from the nature reserve, conserves natural resources and serves as public space as well. In this way, people have the chance to be close to the nature. The goal of environmental education will be achieved through personal experiences. In this case study, we can find the relationships between the different characteristics of the Guandu Nature Park volunteers and participation motivation, environmental attitudes and environmental perception by using questionnaires, observation and interviews. Since December 1, 2001, Guandu Nature Park has been managed by the Wild Bird Society of Taipei. Volunteers devote themselves to the conservation of the Guandu Nature Park''s wetlands. They realize the value of the wetlands; furthermore, they take actions to protect the environment of the Guandu Nature Park''s wetlands. The finding results are:.Guandu Nature Park volunteers with high education mainly participate in tour groups, environmental preservation. They prefer to serve on holidays and mainly live in Taipei City.. “ Love of nature” and “ efforts for environment” are the main participation motivations. . Volunteers agreed that the wetland environment is quite unique. The wetland is valuable for conservation and research. Besides, the wetland environment can also promote the environmental quality for the local residents.. Through one-way ANOVA , there are significant differences between the different characteristics of the volunteers and the participation motivation and environmental perception.e hope the results of this study can provide the natural park managers to engage in volunteer management.