Keywords
Indian River Lagoon; Community Engagement; Stakeholders; Stewardship; Social Disparities; Causal Layered Analysis
Abstract
The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is an important estuary along Florida’s east coast. It is known for its ongoing water quality issues attributed to human activity in the watershed, which has resulted in extensive restoration and conservation efforts. This study researches the relationship between public perception and sentiment toward sustainable development initiatives and how they influence conservation and restoration in the Indian River Lagoon watershed. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with IRL experts who work in the government, academia, nonprofit, or nongovernmental sectors to discuss public sentiment and engagement practices within the watershed. The responses were analyzed using a causal layered analysis, which highlighted social, political, and economic factors that influence public attitudes on various initiatives within the IRL ecosystem. Based on the findings, improved relationship building and diversity in IRL stakeholders are important to ensuring comprehensive community engagement with environmental stewardship and management.
Thesis Completion Year
2024
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Baggio, Jacopo
College
College of Sciences
Department
School Of Politics, Security, And International Affairs
Thesis Discipline
Political Science
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
Subjects
Wetland conservation--Public opinion; Estuarine area conservation--Citizen participation; Watershed management--Public opinion; Coastal zone management--Public opinion; Ecosystem management--Public opinion
STARS Citation
Wells, Zanielle, "Preserving Paradise: A Case Study of Public Attitudes And Its Impact on the Conservation of the Indian River Lagoon Watershed" (2024). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 91.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/91
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