Social capital in the context of volunteer conservation initiatives

Abstract

Conservation volunteering aims to benefit species and ecosystems, but whether positive collective social outcomes exist for conservation group participants is largely unknown. To examine the importance of the collective social benefits from conservation, we surveyed members of the Auckland, New Zealand public to investigate social capital: the connections among people and the collective positive benefits that are enabled. We found members of community groups, particularly conservation groups, had higher social capital than people who did not participate in community groups. Members of multiple types of community group also had increased social capital scores. Conservation group members had more positive perceptions of pest management compared with members of the public not undertaking conservation action. Our findings indicate that conservation groups and their members are associated with collective social benefits not previously identified. Linking social capital benefits with ecological benefits could increase conservation's appeal to people more strongly motivated by personal well-being and a sense of community, facilitating positive outcomes for them and the environment. To increase social capital at the community level, we recommend encouraging participation in community conservation.