日本と中国の大学生における森林に関する知識・態度・行動の特徴と関係

－島根大学によるケーススタディ－

抄録

 This study was conducted to clarify the characteristics and relationships of forest-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among university students in Japan and China by applying the knowledge, attitude, and practice model (KAP model). The findings are as follows.

 First, regarding knowledge, both Japanese and Chinese students knew about the environmental functions of forests and tended to have less specialized knowledge related to the sustainable use of forests and forestry production. Regarding attitudes, both Japanese and Chinese students had generally positive attitudes towards the general environment and forests. Regarding behaviors, it was found that Japanese students were reluctant to pay for forest-related protection, but the active participation in forest-related events was significantly implemented, while Chinese students tended to take all behaviors positively.

 Second, significant positive correlations were confirmed between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding forests among both Japanese and Chinese students. However, there were differences in the pattern of relationships between the two countries. In particular, Chinese students exhibited a stronger correlation between forest-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors than Japanese students.

 Third, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors towards forests differs by gender, academic field, and the area of current residence (studying area).

 These findings suggest that it is important to combine environmental education and forest environmental education together, both in Japan and China, in order to increase the consistency of environment- and forest-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of university students through the promotion of forest-related co-curricular activities and learning programs.