# Environmental Psychology and Mangrove Reforestation in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia: An Approach to Ecosystem Restoration

Sandra Milena Ruiz-Guevara, Cristian Yoel Quintero-Castañeda, Luis Roberto Hernández-Angulo, María Margarita Sierra-Carrillo

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## To cite this version:

Sandra Milena Ruiz-Guevara, Cristian Yoel Quintero-Castañeda, Luis Roberto Hernández-Angulo, María Margarita Sierra-Carrillo. Environmental Psychology and Mangrove Reforestation in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia: An Approach to Ecosystem Restoration. World, 2025, 6 (1), pp.24. 10.3390/world6010024 . hal-05450858

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Article

# Environmental Psychology and Mangrove Reforestation in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia: An Approach to Ecosystem Restoration

Sandra Milena Ruiz-Guevara<fnref n="1" />, Cristian Yoel Quintero-Castañeda<fnref n="2" />, Luis Roberto Hernández-Angulo <fnref n="3" /> ID
and María Margarita Sierra-Carrillo <fnref n="2" />,*, ID

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

check for
updates

Academic Editors: Wang-Kin Chiu
and Hon-Ming Lam

Received: 29 November 2024

Revised: 23 January 2025

Accepted: 26 January 2025

Published: 5 February 2025

**Citation:** Ruiz-Guevara, S.M.; Quintero-Castañeda, C.Y.; Hernández-Angulo, L.R.; Sierra-Carrillo, M.M. Environmental Psychology and Mangrove Reforestation in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia: An Approach to Ecosystem Restoration. *World 2025*, 6, 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010024

**Copyright:** © 2025 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
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Attribution (CC BY) license
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

**Abstract:** Ecosystem restoration success heavily depends on community participation, yet the psychological factors influencing local commitment and sense of ownership in mangrove conservation remain understudied. The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), Colombia, represents a critical case where community engagement is essential for successful mangrove restoration. This study investigates the relationship between environmental psychology and community participation in mangrove reforestation, focusing on identifying key psychosocial factors and barriers that influence participation in ecosystem restoration. Through a mixed-method approach involving quantitative surveys (n = 100), semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, the research examined psychosocial factors and participation indicators using correlation and regression analyses. Results revealed a strong emotional connection to the mangrove ecosystem (r = 0.62, *p* < 0.01) and predominantly positive attitudes toward conservation (85% of participants). Social norms showed a significant influence on participation (r = 0.56, *p* < 0.01), with social norms and community sense explaining 64% of participation variance (adjusted r<fnref n="2" /> = 0.64, F(3,96) = 58.92, *p* < 0.001). However, low perceived self-efficacy emerged as a significant barrier, present in 40% of participants. The findings suggest that interventions strengthening self-efficacy and promoting community commitment could significantly increase reforestation participation. Success depends on integrating technical training with psychosocial support and establishing appropriate logistical frameworks. These findings provide practical guidelines for designing more effective community-based restoration programs in similar socio-ecological contexts.

**Keywords:** environmental psychology; mangrove restoration; environmental protection; community participation; social-ecological systems; psychological skills

## 1. Introduction

Mangrove ecosystems, one of the most productive coastal biomes on the planet, provide critical ecosystem services and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration [1–3]. These ecosystems sequester up to five times more carbon per area than tropical forests (31.2 ± 5.4 Mg C ha⁻<fnref n="1" /> yr⁻<fnref n="1" />) [4], yet face global loss rates of 1–2% annually due to coastal development, aquaculture expansion, and climate

<footnote n="1">1 Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia; sandramile.ruiz@campusucc.edu.co</footnote>

<footnote n="2">2 Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta 470003, Colombia; cristian.quinteroc@campusucc.edu.co</footnote>

<footnote n="3">3 Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France; luis.hernandez@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr</footnote>

<footnote>* Correspondence: mariam.sierra@campusucc.edu.co; Tel.: +57-4209604 (ext. 5589)</footnote>
change impacts [5,6]. The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and a Ramsar site for its environmental sensitivity, represents one of the Caribbean's largest and most biodiverse lagoon complexes [7]. This ecosystem, which hosts the largest mangrove forest in the Colombian Caribbean with approximately 38,000 hectares [8], has experienced severe degradation, losing more than 60% of its original coverage due to hydrological alterations, pollution, and anthropogenic pressures [8,9].

While technical criteria are fundamental in ecological restoration, such as hydrology, soil composition, and species selection [10], empirical evidence shows that the long-term success of these projects depends significantly on the integration of psychosocial factors that facilitate a harmonious relationship between communities and ecosystems [11]. Incorporating elements of environmental psychology in restoration processes has been shown to increase the survival rates of planted species by up to 60% and improve the sustainability of conservation initiatives [12]. This integration between technical and psychosocial aspects is particularly critical in mangrove ecosystems, where the close interdependence between local communities and natural resources requires an approach that balances scientific knowledge with sociocultural dynamics [12].

Research in environmental psychology has shown that successful ecological restoration depends on psychosocial factors such as connectedness to nature, environmental attitudes, and perceived community self-efficacy [13]. Recent analyses show that psychological interventions can increase rates of engagement in pro-environmental behaviors by up to 30% when appropriately designed and implemented [14]. The theory of planned behavior suggests that participation in conservation activities is mediated by attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control [15]. Despite growing recognition of the importance of psychosocial factors in conservation, there is a significant gap in understanding how these elements influence community participation in mangrove restoration, particularly in highly degraded ecosystems such as the CGSM [16]. Previous studies have predominantly focused on technical aspects of restoration [16,17], leaving a critical gap in understanding the psychological factors that motivate or inhibit community participation in these efforts.

Environmental psychology has emerged as a fundamental framework for understanding human-environment interactions in ecosystem restoration [18], especially in mangrove ecosystems [19,20]. Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of ecological restoration interventions increases significantly when psychosocial factors are integrated, with success rates up to 45% higher in projects that incorporate these elements [21]. Furthermore, community-based mangrove restoration projects have revealed that programs incorporating psychological and social dimensions achieve 40% higher long-term success rates than purely technical approaches [22]. This integration is particularly relevant in mangrove restoration, where sustained community participation is relevant for long-term success. Neuropsychological research has documented measurable changes in brain activation associated with exposure to natural environments, providing biological evidence of the human-nature connection [23].

On the other hand, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has proven to be especially useful in understanding the mechanisms that drive community participation in mangrove restoration [24–26]. Recent research indicates that the components of the TPB explain approximately 68% of the variance in community participation intentions in ecological restoration projects [27]. The relative influence of each component varies according to the sociocultural context, with subjective norms showing a more significant impact in collectivist communities (β = 0.45, *p* < 0.001) compared to more individualistic societies (β = 0.28, *p* < 0.01) [28]. From this, connection with nature emerges as a robust predictor of commitment to environmental restoration, with longitudinal studies showing that individuals with greater natural connectivity are up to 40% more likely to participate in
restoration initiatives actively [29]. Research using neuroimaging techniques has identified specific activation patterns in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex associated with this connection (r = 0.67, *p* < 0.001) [8]. This link is particularly strengthened in communities that directly depend on the ecosystem services of mangroves [30].

Psychological barriers represent significant obstacles to effective community partic-
ipation. Systematic analyses of restoration projects have revealed that low perceived
self-efficacy and temporal disconnection with outcomes can reduce participation by up
to 35% [29]. However, structured interventions that combine technical training with psy-
chosocial support have been shown to increase perceived self-efficacy by 58% (d = 0.75,
*p* < 0.001) [30]. Integrating cultural values and traditional knowledge into restoration
designs has been shown to increase community participation rates significantly (OR = 2.34,
95% CI [1.87, 2.93]) [31]. In this regard, contemporary evaluation frameworks emphasize
the importance of capturing both ecological and psychosocial outcomes, as restoration
policies that explicitly incorporate psychosocial considerations are significantly more likely
to achieve their ecological goals (RR = 1.76, *p* < 0.001) [31]. This evidence suggests that
successful mangrove restoration requires an integrated approach that recognizes the inter-
dependence among psychological, social, and ecological factors [32]. This phenomenon
has been particularly observed in the CGSM, where sustained community participation
has been identified as a critical factor in the success of restoration initiatives [33,34].

Finally, the present work addresses the knowledge gap by examining the intersection
between environmental psychology and community participation in mangrove reforesta-
tion within the CGSM with a threefold purpose: (i) to assess the psychosocial factors
influencing local communities' willingness to participate in reforestation initiatives. (ii) To
identify the psychological and contextual barriers that limit effective participation and
(iii) to propose intervention strategies based on environmental psychology principles to
strengthen community participation in ecosystem restoration. This integrative approach is
particularly relevant since the CGSM represents a critical case where successful ecological
restoration depends primarily on the sustained participation of local communities [21].
The results of this research will contribute not only to the theoretical knowledge of the
relationship between psychosocial factors and ecosystem restoration but will also provide
practical information for the design of more effective and sustainable restoration programs.

**2. Materials and Methods**

2.1. *Study Area and Population Characterization*

The study was conducted in the municipality of Puebloviejo (11°0' N, 74°30' W), located between the Caribbean Sea and the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM) in the department of Magdalena, Colombia (Figure 1). The municipality covers 691 km² with a total population of 34,212 inhabitants. Puebloviejo represents one of the most vulnerable territories in Colombia, with a multidimensional poverty index of over 85% [35] due to (i) housing deficit (34%), (ii) low coverage of drinking water (12%) and sewerage (2%), (iii) high unemployment rate and low income (20–100 USD per month), (iv) low educational level and (v) strong environmental degradation in mangrove ecosystems [36]. On the other hand, approximately 70% of the population depends on artisanal fishing for their subsistence, with the CGSM ecosystem being their primary source of livelihood [7,22]. Commercial activities include fish, seafood, and, to a lesser extent, African palm and sea salt with artisanal extraction.
<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 1.** Location of the Municipality of Puebloviejo between the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM) and the Caribbean Sea in northern Colombia.</figcaption></figure>

## 2.2. *Study Design and Population*

This study employed a mixed research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods through a sequential exploratory design, according to Johnson et al. [37], which is characterized by a first stage of qualitative data collection and analysis, followed by a second phase where quantitative instruments are constructed and applied. The choice of this design responds to the need to understand the psychosocial dynamics of the community in depth before measuring its prevalence. In the first phase, an in-depth exploration of the community context was carried out through interviews and focus groups. The findings of this phase were fundamental for the development of the quantitative instruments applied later, thus ensuring that the questions and variables were culturally appropriate and relevant to the community studied. The second phase allowed the researcher to generalize and measure the prevalence of the themes identified in the qualitative phase. This sequential integration facilitated a more complete understanding of the phenomenon studied, where the quantitative data helped to dimension and validate the initial qualitative results.

The final sample consisted of 100 participants selected through purposive sampling, according to Clarke et al. [38], who emphasize the selection of cases with extensive information for in-depth study. The population sample presented the following distribution: 74.6% women (n = 75) and 25.4% men (n = 25), aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 45.3, SD = 12.8). Most participants (66%) were in the 30–64 age range. The predominant educational level was high school (39.02%), followed by primary (34.15%) and technical education (17.07%), while 9.76% reported having no formal education. Selection criteria included:
* Residence in the region for more than five years.

* Direct economic dependence on mangrove ecosystems (fishing or tourism)

* Previous participation in reforestation or conservation activities.

* Representation of different age groups and community roles.

This type of sampling allowed the selection of participants who could provide rich and detailed information about the phenomenon studied, thus maximizing the usefulness of the information collected with limited resources, as suggested by [38].

## 2.3. *Data Collection*

### 2.3.1. Qualitative Phase

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted to explore perceptions and attitudes towards mangrove reforestation, according to Braun and Clarke [39]. The interviews focused on understanding the factors that motivate or inhibit participation in reforestation projects, emphasizing emotional connection and self-efficacy beliefs [40]. The interviews were audio-recorded with prior consent and transcribed for analysis.

The semi-structured interviews were designed following the Kvale [41] model, lasting 45–60 min per person in community locations familiar to the participants. The interview protocol was organized with five base questions and the possibility of further exploration into the following main topics:

* Perceptions about the mangrove ecosystem

* Experiences in environmental conservation

* Barriers to community participation

* Motivating factors for conservation

On the other hand, the focus groups facilitated the exchange of ideas about social norms that influence pro-environmental behavior, according to Winkel et al. [42]. These groups were composed of 8–12 participants, with a duration of joint work of 90 to 120 min subdivided into three phases: Phase I of opening (15–20 min), Phase II of construction (45–60 min), and Phase III of closing and conclusions (30–40 min). Likewise, each group had a moderator and a professional who made observations, field notes, and audiovisual recordings for later analysis by the researchers. The participatory dynamic was based on techniques such as community mapping and timelines.

Eight focus groups were held, and strategically distributed among the different sectors of the community to ensure the representation of different social and occupational groups. Therefore, the selection of participants for the focus groups was carried out seeking controlled heterogeneity, including:

* Artisanal fishermen

* Community leaders

* Female heads of household

* Young people between 18–29 years old

Age groups and social stratification were based on specific criteria grounded in local context and scientific literature. The age range for youth (18–29 years) was established considering the Colombian legal framework on youth, legal age as an ethical requirement for informed consent, and their demographic importance in the CGSM (24.87% of the population). For adults, three subgroups were considered: 30–39 years (24.87%), 40–49 years (20.21%), and 50–64 years (22.80%), allowing to capture the accumulated territorial experience and traditional ecosystem knowledge.
Social groups were defined according to their role and interaction with the ecosystem: artisanal fishermen (21.9% of the population) as direct users and holders of traditional knowledge; women heads of household (46.53%) due to their key role in transmitting environmental values and managing family resources; and community leaders, selected for their formal or informal recognition and convening capacity. This stratification aims to ensure the representation of different perspectives, the inclusion of diverse knowledge, and the intergenerational sustainability of the project.

This methodology allowed for capturing the community's different perspectives and experiences, facilitating the triangulation of the information obtained through the different data collection techniques.

### 2.3.2. Quantitative Phase

A structured questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, according to Mayer et al. [43] and Liu et al. [44] was developed. The questionnaire in Spanish is presented in supplementary material (Questionnaire S1) and assesses the following aspects:

* Attitudes toward reforestation

* Perceived social norms

* Self-efficacy

* Emotional connection with nature

## 2.4. *Procedure and Data Analysis*

The study was conducted in two sequential phases. The initial qualitative phase informed the development of the questionnaire for the quantitative phase. Interviews and focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis using NVivo 12 [45]. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis using SPSS [46].

## 2.5. Statistical Analysis

Multiple Regression Analysis and Multicollinearity Testing

Before conducting the multiple regression analysis, we performed comprehensive collinearity diagnostics to ensure the robustness of our model. The following diagnostic tests were conducted:

Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) Analysis:

* A VIF threshold of < 5 was established as the inclusion criteria

* All independent variables in the final model showed VIF values < 3:

* Environmental attitudes (VIF = 2.3)

* Perceived social norms (VIF = 2.1)

* Self-efficacy (VIF = 1.8)

* Nature connectedness (VIF = 2.4)

* Sociodemographic control variables (all VIF < 1.5)

Additional Collinearity Diagnostics:

* Tolerance values (1/VIF) all exceeded 0.40

* Condition index values were < 30

* Variance proportions were examined for each eigenvalue

Variables showing high collinearity (VIF > 5) were either:

* Combined into composite indices when representing related constructs

* Analyzed in separate models when theoretically relevant

* Excluded from the final model
## 2.6. Ethical Considerations

The ethics committee INV3390 of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia approved the study, informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality of the information was guaranteed.

# 3. Results

## 3.1. Qualitative Analysis of Community Perceptions and Barriers

Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (n = 40) and focus groups (n = 6) revealed three key dimensions that characterize the relationship between the community and the mangrove ecosystem.

### 3.1.1. Sociocultural Link with the Ecosystem

Participants expressed a deep identity connection to the mangrove ecosystem, evidenced in narratives that intertwine cultural and subsistence aspects. This connection was consistently expressed regarding vital dependence and cultural heritage: "Mangroves are part of our culture. We have always lived here, and if they disappear, we will too" (Participant 5, fisherman, 45 years old). This finding aligns with previous research, where the human-nature connection is presented as a catalyst for pro-environmental behaviors [47].

### 3.1.2. Dynamics of Social Norms

The analysis revealed that community expectations significantly influence (identified in 85% of the narratives) individual decisions about participation in reforestation activities such as tree planting, monitoring the growth, invasive species removal, protection of reforested areas, and soil restoration, among others. Social norms emerged as collective regulation mechanisms that promote mangrove conservation: "The community expects us all to contribute; it is part of our collective responsibility" (Participant 12, fisherman, 52 years old). This pattern confirms subjective norms' relevance in forming pro-environmental behaviors [16].

### 3.1.3. Barriers to Effective Participation

The analysis identified three main obstacles that limit community participation in reforestation initiatives (Figure 2):

* Economic constraints (mentioned by 82% of participants)

* Lack of technical knowledge of reforestation practices (75%)

* Low perception of individual self-efficacy (68%)

These barriers coincide with the limiting factors described in the theory of planned behavior [48], where the perception of behavioral control directly influences the materialization of pro-environmental intentions. Community narratives underline the interrelationship between these factors: "Although we want to help, we lack resources and knowledge. Sometimes we feel that our individual efforts are not enough" (Participant 28, female leader, 39 years old).
## Identified Barriers to Participation (N=100)

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

## Key Thematic Elements in Community Engagement

Cultural Connection
High emotional attachment

Social Norms
Community expectations

Community Action
Collective responsibility

Based on thematic analysis of 40 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups. Percentages indicate frequency of mention in participant responses.

<caption>**Figure 2.** Community participation in Mangrove Reforestation: Barriers and Key Themes.</caption>

### 3.2. Quantitative Analysis of Psychosocial Factors

Quantitative analysis was based on data collected using a structured questionnaire (N = 100) that incorporated the theory of planned behavior [49] and the nature connection scale [50]. The results reveal significant patterns in the psychosocial dimensions of community participation in mangrove reforestation.

#### 3.2.1. Attitudes and Willingness Towards Reforestation

The analysis revealed a marked positive trend in attitudes towards reforestation, with 85% of participants showing a favorable disposition towards restoration activities (Figure 3). This positive attitude, however, is conditioned by the availability of resources and institutional support [51]. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the three-dimensional structure of attitudes ($\chi^2 = 245.67, df = 112, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.058$).

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 3.** Psychosocial Factors Influencing Community Participation in Mangrove Restoration (N = 100).</figcaption></figure>
### 3.2.2. Influence of Social Norms

Social norms emerged as a driving factor, with 70% of participants indicating their direct influence on the decision to participate in reforestation activities. The correlational analysis demonstrated a significant association between perceived social norms and participation intention (r = 0.56, *p* < 0.01, 95% CI [0.42, 0.68]) [52].

### 3.2.3. Self-Efficacy and Perception of Control

A critical finding was the low perception of self-efficacy, with only 40% of participants reporting confidence in their ability to influence reforestation significantly (Figure 3). This result is consistent with previous research on the role of self-efficacy in pro-environmental behaviors [53].

### 3.2.4. Emotional Connection with the Ecosystem

The assessment of emotional connection with nature revealed that 75% of participants maintain a significant emotional bond with the mangrove ecosystem (Figure 3). This factor showed a robust positive correlation with participation intention (r = 0.62, *p* < 0.01, 95% CI [0.49, 0.73]) [54].

Figure 3 shows the percentage distribution of key psychosocial factors among study participants. Positive attitudes towards mangrove conservation show the highest prevalence (85%), followed by emotional connection to the ecosystem (75%) and influence of social norms (70%). Self-efficacy, representing participants’ perceived ability to contribute effectively to restoration efforts, shows the lowest percentage (40%). Data were derived from survey responses and validated through qualitative interviews.

**Methodological Notes:**

* Positive Attitudes: Combined measure of environmental conservation beliefs and behavioral intentions

* Social Norms: Perceived community expectations and peer influence on conservation behavior

* Emotional Connection: Measured through nature connectedness scale and local ecosystem value perception

* Self-efficacy: Assessed through perceived ability to contribute meaningfully to restoration efforts

Note: Percentages represent participants scoring above the median value on each measure. Statistical significance levels: *p* < 0.01 for all measures except self-efficacy (*p* < 0.05).

### 3.2.5. Multivariate Analysis of Predictors

Multiple regression analysis identified three significant predictors of participation intention (Figure 4):

* Attitudes ($\beta$ = 0.45, *p* < 0.01)

* Perceived social norms ($\beta$ = 0.35, *p* < 0.01)

* Self-efficacy ($\beta$ = 0.30, *p* < 0.05)

The model explained 64% of the variance in participation intention (adjusted R² = 0.64, F(3,96) = 58.92, *p* < 0.001) [55].
<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 4. Predictors of participation intent in mangrove reforestation.**</figcaption></figure>

### 3.3. Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings

The integrated analysis of qualitative and quantitative data revealed significant convergences that strengthened the understanding of factors influencing community participation. In Table 1 is summarized integration of key qualitative and quantitative findings on psychosocial factors in mangrove restoration.

<table><caption>**Table 1.** Integration of key qualitative and quantitative findings on psychosocial factors in mangrove restoration.</caption><thead><tr><td>Psychosocial Factor</td><td>Quantitative Results</td><td>Qualitative Evidence</td><td>Integration</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Emotional Connection.</td><td>r = 0.62, p < 0.01; 75% reported a strong connection.</td><td>"The mangrove is our life; from here comes our sustenance" (Participant 23).</td><td>Strong emotional bonds correlate with higher participation intention and are deeply rooted in cultural identity.</td></tr><tr><td>Social Norms.</td><td>r = 0.56, p < 0.01; 70% influenced by community expectations.</td><td>"When someone starts working for the mangrove, others get encouraged" (Participant 12).</td><td>Social influence serves as a key catalyst for participation, particularly in collective activities.</td></tr><tr><td>Self-efficacy.</td><td>40% perceived ability to contribute effectively.</td><td>"Sometimes we feel our efforts are too small compared to such a big problem" (Participant 7).</td><td>Low self-efficacy represents a significant barrier despite positive attitudes.</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental Attitudes.</td><td>85% positive attitudes towards conservation.</td><td>"We know it is important to protect the mangrove for future generations" (Participant 15).</td><td>Strong positive attitudes exist but require additional support for translation into action.</td></tr><tr><td>Economic Constraints.</td><td>48.78% live on <400,000 COP monthly.</td><td>"The willingness is there, but necessity wins" (Participant 15, fisher).</td><td>Economic factors significantly moderate participation despite positive intentions.</td></tr><tr><td>Technical Knowledge.</td><td>58% reported the need for training.</td><td>"We need to learn the right way to plant and care for mangroves" (Participant 31).</td><td>Technical capacity building emerges as a critical enabling factor.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Note: Qualitative quotes are representative examples from semi-structured interviews. COP = Colombian Pesos.
### 3.3.1. Social Norms and Community Participation

Quantitative data showed a significant correlation between perceived social norms and participation intention ($r = 0.56, p < 0.01$), which is reflected in qualitative narratives: "Here, when someone starts working for the mangrove, others get encouraged. It is as if no one wants to be left behind in something that benefits everyone" (Participant 12, fisherman, 45 years).

This finding is reinforced by statistical analysis showing that 70% of respondents indicate that social norms influence their decision to participate in reforestation activities.

### 3.3.2. Self-Efficacy and Participation Barriers

The low perception of self-efficacy identified quantitatively (only 40% feel capable of influencing reforestation) is complemented by qualitative testimonies: "We know it's important to take care of the mangrove, but sometimes we feel our efforts are too small compared to such a big problem" (Participant 7, woman, 38 years).

Multiple regression analysis confirmed self-efficacy as a significant predictor of participation ($\beta = 0.30, p < 0.05$), aligning with expressions of discouragement identified in focus groups.

### 3.3.3. Emotional Connection and Environmental Commitment

The high emotional connection with the ecosystem, reported by 75% of survey participants, vividly manifests in narratives: "The mangrove is our life, from here comes our livelihood, and it is part of who we are" (Participant 23, community leader, 52 years).

This emotional connection showed a significant positive correlation with willingness to participate ($r = 0.62, p < 0.01$), supporting testimonies about the cultural and economic importance of the mangrove.

### 3.3.4. Socioeconomic Factors and Participation

Quantitative data revealed that 48.78% of participants live on incomes between 100,000 and 400,000 Colombian pesos monthly. This economic factor consistently emerged in interviews as a barrier to participation: "The willingness is there, but when you have to choose between fishing for sustenance or participating in reforestation, necessity wins" (Participant 15, fisherman, 41 years).

This integration of findings suggests that effective interventions should:

* Leverage the positive influence of social norms

* Strengthen the perception of community self-efficacy

* Capitalize on the strong emotional connection with the ecosystem

* Consider socioeconomic constraints in program design

## 4. Discussion

The findings demonstrate the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and community participation in mangrove restoration at CGSM, suggesting the need for integrated intervention approaches. While technical aspects of restoration remain crucial, the success of community-based conservation initiatives significantly depends on addressing psychological and social dimensions of participation [56].

Integrating technical training with psychosocial support is critical for sustainable restoration efforts. Research suggests that interventions should combine hands-on restoration techniques with community empowerment strategies based on successful experiences in similar contexts, such as the Gulf of Fonseca program that achieved 85% mangrove survival rates [57]. This approach aligns with recent meta-analyses showing that inte-
grated programs achieve significantly higher success rates (OR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.87, 2.93])
compared to purely technical interventions [58].

The results mainly highlight the importance of addressing self-efficacy barriers, which showed the lowest scores among measured factors (40%). Successful initiatives in comparable settings have demonstrated that structured psychosocial support can increase perceived self-efficacy by 58% (d = 0.75, *p* < 0.001) [59]. It suggests the potential value of implementing mentorship programs and regular community feedback sessions to strengthen participants’ confidence in their restoration capabilities.

The economic dimension of participation cannot be overlooked, as evidenced by the findings regarding income constraints. Implementing sustainable incentive systems like those successfully deployed in Indonesian mangrove REDD+ programs [60] could help address these barriers while maintaining long-term community engagement. Such systems might include payments for environmental services and support for green entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the specific socioeconomic context of the CGSM region.

Several limitations of this study warrant consideration and suggest directions for future research. The cross-sectional nature of the data limits the ability to assess temporal changes in community participation and psychological factors. Future studies would benefit from longitudinal designs (5–10 years) to evaluate the sustainability of behavioral changes and the evolution of psychosocial factors over time. Additionally, quasi-experimental designs with control groups could help isolate the effects of specific intervention components.

The scalability and sustainability of restoration efforts require careful consideration of institutional frameworks and adaptive capacity. Successful implementation will depend on integrating interventions into local public policies, establishing public-private partnerships, and developing knowledge exchange networks. This approach has shown promise in similar contexts, where institutional support increased program sustainability by 40% over five years [21].

Despite limitations inherent to the sample size (N = 100) and geographic scope of the study, the findings obtained provide valuable insights for the design of future interventions. Future research should prioritize understanding intergenerational knowledge transmission, community resilience to climate change, and economic valuation of ecosystem services. Particular attention should be paid to developing standardized metrics for evaluating the long-term success of integrated psychosocial-ecological interventions, addressing a current gap in the literature [32].

**5. Conclusions**

This investigation of the intersection between environmental psychology and mangrove restoration in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta reveals significant implications for conservation practice. The research demonstrates that successful mangrove restoration is fundamentally linked to psychosocial dynamics, with an emotional connection to the ecosystem (r = 0.62, *p* < 0.01) and social norms emerging as primary drivers of participation, collectively explaining 64% of the variance in community engagement (adjusted R² = 0.64, F(3,96) = 58.92, *p* < 0.001). These findings extend current theoretical frameworks by quantifying the relative influence of different psychosocial factors on restoration success.

Despite positive attitudes towards conservation observed in 85% of participants, significant barriers impede effective community participation. Most notably, low perceived self-efficacy, identified in 40% of participants, emerged as a critical limitation. Additional obstacles include limited technical capacity, resource constraints, and weak institutional support mechanisms. Understanding these barriers provides crucial insights for intervention design and implementation strategies in similar socio-ecological contexts.
**6. Recommendations**

Based on the empirical evidence, three primary recommendations emerge for enhancing restoration effectiveness. First, technical capacity building should focus on implementing structured training programs, developing local expertise, and integrating traditional with scientific knowledge. Second, social support structures require the establishment of community mentorship programs, the creation of feedback mechanisms, and the strengthening of local leadership. Third, sustainable incentive systems must be designed with context-appropriate reward structures that recognize collective achievements and link conservation with economic benefits.

The mixed-methodology approach employed has allowed us to identify specific mechanisms through which psychosocial factors influence ecosystem restoration, providing a robust foundation for evidence-based policymaking. These findings have particular relevance for tropical coastal regions facing similar socio-ecological challenges, where the integration of psychosocial factors into environmental policy design can significantly enhance both immediate participation rates and the long-term sustainability of restoration efforts.

Future research should focus on a longitudinal assessment of these interventions to validate their effectiveness across different contexts and time scales. As coastal ecosystems continue to face increasing pressures, implementing these evidence-based recommendations offers a promising pathway for enhancing the effectiveness of community-based conservation initiatives, particularly in regions where socio-ecological challenges require integrated approaches to environmental management.

**Supplementary Materials:** The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/world6010024/s1, Questionnaire S1: Structured questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, S.M.R.-G. and M.M.S.-C.; methodology, S.M.R.-G. and M.M.S.-C.; Investigation, S.M.R.-G., C.Y.Q.-C., L.R.H.-A. and M.M.S.-C.; writing—original draft preparation, S.M.R.-G., C.Y.Q.-C., L.R.H.-A. and M.M.S.-C.; writing—review and editing, S.M.R.-G., C.Y.Q.-C., L.R.H.-A. and M.M.S.-C.; visualization, C.Y.Q.-C. and L.R.H.-A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

**Data Availability Statement:** The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

**Acknowledgments:** This research was made possible thanks to the institutional support of the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (INV 3390: Familia y Sociedad and ISI research group) and the invaluable collaboration of the communities of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. We express our special gratitude to the Asociación de Pescadores Amigos del Cultivo CRIAPEZ and the Asociación Mujeres Resilientes de Tasajera, whose local knowledge and commitment to conservation were fundamental for this study. We acknowledge the active participation of the fishermen, who generously shared their experiences and perspectives, significantly enriching the understanding of the socio-ecological dynamics in the mangrove ecosystem. Their willingness to participate in the interviews and focus groups was essential to achieve a comprehensive view of the factors that influence ecosystem restoration.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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