Perception and nature connectedness among secondary school students in a degrading environment: case of CEG Anosindrafilo, Alaotra-Mangoro region, Madagascar

Abstract

Environmental education has been applied in the Alaotra-Mangoro region for decades. Despite this, the region is in the top 3 of deforestation in Madagascar. The environment is deteriorating. Studies have been conducted to discover the possible causes of this situation, but none has focused on the perception of the natural environment by the population living there and their attachment to this environment.  There is a paucity of literature on the subject. Without such information, it is difficult to develop a theory of behavioural change and an effective environmental education programme for conservation and sustainable development. This study questions the population's attitude towards Alaotra-Mangoro. The aim is to explore people's feelings about their natural environment and whether they are connected to it. A case study was conducted at CEG Anosindrafilo in May 2020 through a survey adapted from Mayer & Frantz (2004:513) and Cheng & Monroe (2012:41). For each statement, a 5-point Likert scale was used. The results obtained can help decision makers better select target populations and elaborate effective environmental education programmes for the region.