The tangled roots of the sea : The complexities of mangrove conservation in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract: This thesis studies what triggers people’s environmental attitude using theories of the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) and emotional affinity towards nature. Having looked at the case of a nature park in Kuala Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia carrying out mangrove rehabilitation and conservation, I also aimed to investigate the institutional interrelations and how these combined with environmental attitudes to influence the management of the park. This includes the questionable link between corporate activities and mangrove conservation expressed in CSR activities. Multiple methods were used to reveal the complex reality of carrying out conservation, over the period of a few weeks, including in-depth and semistructured interviews, participant observation, a questionnaire and informal conversations. It was found that an NEP worldview was a main pillar in the actions of many involved in the national park. Participants, including managers, state officials and volunteers showed an appreciation of the mangrove, which was projected in their actions involving the park. However, local residents, despite their material and historical connection to the mangroves and the expectation of emotional affinity towards nature did not show the same attitude due to socio-economic concerns. The thesis also found that CSR took a main part in the management plan of the park and it was successfully used as a financial tool.