Grand Manan Island perceptions of environmental problems and change

Abstract

This thesis investigates the island of Grand Manan, New Brunswick. The study focuses on perceptions which residents of Grand Manan have of their natural environment, whether they see change as necessary, and what their feelings are towards potential change. The study includes discussion about methods for creating change in ways that residents support. A literature review of methods for effective environmental policy implementation was conducted. Findings discuss methods of implementing environment related rules, and what motivates personal environmentally friendly actions. Factors which influence public support for environment related rules and/or self-driven actions include: trust, education, environmental knowledge, ignorance, apathy, empathy, efficacy, uncertainty and powerlessness. These factors relate to one's personal perception and experience, and were identified in participants responses throughout the study. Information from residents was collected using one on one interviews based on a set of 11 uniform questions, plus additional discussion if required. Interview responses contain personal perceptions of the island's environment and rules, personal behaviours and practices related to the environment, perceptions about efficacy of current environmental rules, and personal ideas for methods to increase environmentally friendly behaviour amongst residents of the island. The interviews also revealed perceived barriers to creating changes on the island. Feelings of threat and resistance to change, as well as municipal communication issues were detected in many interviews. Municipal communication issues are barriers which appear to prevent residents from easily participating in common environmentally friendly behaviours such as recycling and biking to work. Participants listed methods they felt would address the existing barriers, including penalties and fees, increased environmental education, and leading by example amongst the community. Some listed ideas for initiatives that they thought would help the environment, which they felt would also be welcomed on the island. Recommendations include increasing education and communication of environmental issues, increased transparency from the waste management facility, and community involvement in creating change on the island.