Ranchers’ Inten ons to Adopt Biodiversity Conserva on Schemes in the Pantanal: Exploring the Role of Social Ecological and Behavioral Approaches

Abstract

The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, holds significant ecological, economic, and cultural value. While extensive research has focused on its biodiversity and hydrology, the interaction between conservation and human activities, particularly cattle ranching, remains underexplored. Traditional low-intensity ranching has historically coexisted with the Pantanal’s biodiversity, but recent shifts toward intensified practices threaten this balance. Sustainable certification programs aim to mitigate these impacts, yet adoption remains low. This study examines the psychological, social, and economic drivers influencing ranchers' conservation behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Diffusion of Innovation framework. Additionally, it explores how land use dynamics, including the extent of agricultural farmland, shape environmental decision-making. Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective policies that integrate agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation. By identifying key drivers and gaps in conservation efforts, this research provides insights to enhance sustainable ranching initiatives in the Pantanal and similar biodiversity-rich agricultural landscapes globally.