Farmers' Perception of Wetlands and Their Attitude on Government Wetlands Policies: A Study of Four Illinois Counties in the United States

농민들의 습지 및 습지정책에 관한 환경인식 -미국 일리노이 주 4개 카운티의 사례-

  • Yim, Seok-Hoi (Department of Geography Education, Daegu University) ;
  • Choi, Jong-Nam (Department of Geography, Western Illinois University)
  • Published : 2009.12.31

Abstract

This study examines farmers' knowledge and perception on the functions and values of wetland and their attitudes on government wetland policies in the state of Illinois in the United States. No significant differences were found in the knowledge of the functions and values of wetland between farmers and non-farmers, although farmers tend to value the importance of wetland less than non-farmers. However, farmers are negative on the importance of protecting wetland and replacing damaged or destroyed wetlands as well as stricter government wetland policies. It suggests that noticeable discrepancy exists between farmers' knowledge of wetland and their practice to protect wetland.

경제활동의 특성 상 습지와 친숙한 농민들의 습지 기능이나 가치에 대한 인식과 습지관련 정부정책에 대한 태도는 습지관리의 중요한 변수이다. 이러한 맥락에서 이 논문은 일리노이 주 4개 카운티 주민 대상의 설문조사 자료를 바탕으로 농민들이 갖는 습지에 대한 인식과 태도의 특성을 고찰하였다. 분석 결과, 습지의 기능이나 가치에 관한 지식수준에서 농민과 비농민 간에 의미 있는 차이는 없었다. 그러나 습지의 중요성에 대해서는 농민들이 비농민에 비해 다소 낮게 평가하는 경향이다. 특히, 농민들은 습지의 보호와 손상되거나 파괴된 습지의 대체 정책에 대해서는 비농민에 비해 부정적인 태도를 갖는다. 이는 농민들에게 있어서 습지에 대한 지식과 가치 평가(실제 습지보호를 위한 실천) 간에서는 괴리가 있을 수 있음을 보여준다.

Keywords

References

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