Environmental Concern, Human Behavior & Outdoor Recreation Activities Participation

Environmental problems of planet pushed a lot of researchers in the study of change of basic human values, attitudes and behaviors toward the nature and it’s protection (Dunlap & Van Liere, 2008; Ewert et al., 2005; Kaplan, 2000; Trobe & Acott, 2000; Zelezny, 2000). Objective of the present study was the investigation of: a) the significances of ‘environmental concern' and ‘environmental responsible behavior’' as human values, b) the change of these attitudes through the human contact with nature and his participation in outdoor programs and c) the individual activation with growth of abilities in order to protect the environment. Most of the studies used as sample, common residents, students or pupils that were involved in activities in the nature. Other studies investigated environmental education participation regarded to positive environmental responsible behavior (Blake 2001; Kaiser, 1998; Kaiser, & Biel, 2000; La Trobe & Acott, 2000; McGuire, 1992). Results of relative researches showed that participation of individuals in outdoor activities affects positively human values and influences attitudes and respectively behavior. Important role towards the development of positive environmental responsible behavior, play the type of recreation activity and the destination in which take place. Statistically important differences at environmental responsible behavior are recorded between people with different demographic characteristics. Most of the studies results supported the importance of the outdoor recreation activities with the typical environmental programs. That augmented environmental programs will reinforce the active attendance of citizens in the protection of environment.