Assessment of Environmental Knowledge and Factors Influencing Environmental Behavior Among Tourists in North Iran (A case study in Zanjan & Golestan provinces)

Environmental education can be defined as raising environmental consciousness among every segment of the society, bringing for awareness to environment-friendly, permanent and positive behavioral changes. The final purpose of environmental conservation is thus related to improving environmental awareness and betterment of environmental culture in all segments of the society. In this article, the rate of environmental knowledge among tourists visiting northern parts of Iran is assessed and factors influencing environmental behavior and people opinion about sustainable development is evaluated.

The statistical background of this research includes one thousand families residing in different parts of the country. Questionnaires were distributed accidentally among tourists from all over the country visiting some points of interest in West (Zanjan province) and Northeast (Golestan province) of the country using interview method. The obtained data were classified and summarized in multidimensional frequency tables using statistical descriptive analysis such as ANOVA, Duncan, Mann Whitney and the relationship/differences among environmental variables being effective on the rate of personal concern and environmental awareness were determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel software.

Identifying and evaluating effective factors influencing the rate of personal knowledge and concern about environmental problems at country level will ensure the accurate planning, comprehensive efforts, conservation and promotion of environment with people’s considerable cooperation and participation.

The obtained results show that a set of different factors are influencing environmental concern and awareness among tourists living in the society such as; the level of literacy, the duration of education and age of the respondents. Significant relationships were also obtained among gender, marital status, level of income and occupation.