Conservation beyond knowledge: Embracing values, attitudes, and experiences

The Value of Life, by Stephen Kellert (1996) advances a seemingly straightforward notion, “how people value living diversity: emotionally, intellectually, and materially” (p.3). In unpackaging these concepts, Kellert lays... [ view full abstract ]

The Value of Life, by Stephen Kellert (1996) advances a seemingly straightforward notion, “how people value living diversity: emotionally, intellectually, and materially” (p.3). In unpackaging these concepts, Kellert lays the foundation for the emergence of conservation psychology and calls for such radical stratagems as anthropomorphism to drive conservation. As wildlife tourism venues, such as national parks and zoos, around the world embrace these paradigms, they can help to influence how the hundreds of millions of annual visitors connect to wildlife and act on its behalf. This presentation will highlight studies that utilize conservation psychology and operationalize Kellert’s call to incorporate affective and cognitive components into understanding people’s connection to animals. Additionally, we will critique studies that have evaluated the role of anthropomorphism, which Kellert stated could be, “an indispensable device for human growth and development” (p. 19).