The importance of ecocentrism to the level of environmental awareness for sustainable natural resources

Abstract

Environmental ethics is a reflection of the moral principle between human beings and the natural environment. Ecocentrism, one of the environmental ethics, supports long-term environmental sustainability. This study aimed to determine the roles of ecocentrism toward the level of environmental awareness for sustainable use of natural resources. This descriptive research is to determine the association between the level of environmental awareness and environmental ethics. The study involved 30 students in Biology Education Department. Data were primarily collected using researcher-developed questionnaires. The level of environmental awareness was measured by using the Likert scale (1-5), based on the students’ positive contribution to their local environment in daily life. The problem-based interview was also added to determine which environmental ethics the students stood for (Ecocentrism or Anthropocentrism). The result showed 19 out of 30 students were dominated by anthropocentrism rather than ecocentrism toward the environment. Chi-Square analysis showed that there is no significant association between the level of environmental awareness and environmental ethics. People can have the same level of environmental awareness, but different environmental ethics. Ecocentrism needs to be promoted more in academics for sustainable use of natural resources not only for the present generation but also for the future generation.

Zoning System in Biodiversity Conservation and Marine Ecological Sustainability: An Emic Perspective of the Bajo People in Southeast Sulawesi

“…This shows that all socio-economic activities of the Bajo community are centered on ecological values (ecocentric), not merely considerations of meeting economic needs (de Figueiredo & Marquesan, 2022;Humaida, 2019). If these values are violated, it is not only the "anger" of Mbo Madilao' but also the boomerang effect of the risk of modernization as intended by Ulrich Beck.…”

Effect of Climate Change Belief and the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) on Eco-Tourism Attitudes of Tourists: Moderator Role of Green Self-Identity

“…However, in the current process, an environment-based ethical understanding has been added to the human-based ethical understanding, and this understanding helps the ethics concept to gain a more comprehensive and universally stronger common character. In fact, lately, it has been seen that the process has been handled collectively, with the articulation of environmental rights, as well as human rights [ 23 , 28 ].…”

Examination of social workers' attitudes towards sustainable development and environment in the focus of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Anthropocentrism considers human beings to be the most important organisms in existence and at the centre of the universe (Campbell, 1983), with other life forms viewed only as important in relation to their benefits for individuals’ well-being, interests and preferences (Humaida, 2020; Kortenkamp and Moore, 2001). Ecocentrism, on the other hand, recognises humans as forming only one aspect of the larger population of living things, with the well-being of each member being dependant on the well-being of the earth as a whole (White, 2018).…”

“…In this approach, each living organism has its own intrinsic value, including humans, plants and animal species, as well as ecosystems (Kopnina, 2012). Therefore, the adoption of the ecocentric approach is important both for the well-being of the earth and the sustainability of natural resources (Humaida, 2020).…”