Determinants of Public Participation in Urban Environmental Protection: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Background: The environment is closely related to the interests of society, including health and hygiene, whose protection depends on public participation. It is only through support and involvement that effective outcomes can be achieved in environmental management.   The purpose of this research was to identify the effective components and indicators of public participation in the protection of the urban environment. Methods: The current research was of qualitative type in terms of data collection. First, purposeful sampling was used to select participants, and the interview process began with both theoretical and experimental experts. The interviews continued until a comprehensive understanding and description of the components and indicators were achieved and until theoretical saturation was reached. During the interviews, the information was carefully reviewed and categorized. Then, the identified items were reviewed, revised, and duplicates were excluded. Finally, the dimensions of the topic were determined, and a framework of components and indicators was presented. Results: The results of the study revealed three overarching themes, ۱۳ organizing themes, and ۷۱ basic themes that impact public participation in urban environmental protection. The components identified in the study included "influential factors", such as social trust, sense of social belonging, social responsibility, personality traits, context and the possibility of participation, motivation to participate, knowledge, and awareness. The study also identified "constraints", including sociocultural, structural-legal, economic, and executive constraints. Additionally, the study found that public participation in environmental protection was a key category that emerged from the findings. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the identified themes can be incorporated into the development and assessment of collaborative programs and activities aimed at promoting sustainable development in the field of urban environment.

Keywords:

Participation , Environmental protection , Sustainable development , Iran