Correlation between global warming mitigation knowledge, attitudes, and community behavior in mangrove forests in Langsa City, Indonesia

Mangrove forest destruction in Langsa City is caused by land conversion into ponds and illegal logging for charcoal production. Knowledge of global warming mitigation through mangrove conservation and rehabilitation is important for the community to have a positive and environmentally friendly attitude. The study aims to: (1) evaluate community knowledge about global warming mitigation through mangrove conservation and rehabilitation, (2) analyze the relationship between the attitudes and behavior of people living near mangrove forests, and (3) examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of people living near mangrove forests. The study was conducted in Cinta Raja and Kuala Langsa Villages using a quantitative correlational design approach. The research population was the entire local community; samples were taken by purposive sampling based on data collection activities through structured interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study showed that the variable of community attitudes towards mangrove forests was in the good category (77 %), while mitigation knowledge (69 %) and conservative behavior (67 %) were in the moderate category. Positive attitudes were strongly correlated with conservative behavior and had a significant effect, while knowledge played a role in shaping attitudes but did not directly influence behavior. Therefore, increasing knowledge is a strategic step to strengthen mangrove conservation efforts.

Contribution

Increasing knowledge of global warming mitigation can strengthen positive attitudes and encourage conservative behavior among people in mangrove forests. It is recommended to increase education, socialization, support from local organizations, and mangrove conservation and rehabilitation practices to support global warming mitigation.