Payame Noor University Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development 2322-3057 14 1 2025 09 23 Designing a Development Model for the Nature Helpers Project in Kermanshah Province Using Grounded Theory Designing a Development Model for the Nature Helpers Project in Kermanshah Province Using Grounded Theory 25 44 12387 10.30473/ee.2025.71034.2729 FA Shahram Soltani Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, IL.C., Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran Hamed Chaharsoughi Amin Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, IL.C., Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran Mohammad Baqer Arayesh Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, IL.C., Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran Roya Eshraghi Samani Department of Agricultural Economics, Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 10 The purpose of this study is to design and develop a development model for the Nature Helpers Project in Kermanshah Province. This research is applied in terms of purpose, and the Grounded Theory approach was used to design the model. The participants included 24 experts and specialists in the field of Nature Helpers, who were selected purposefully through the snowball sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. For data analysis, Strauss and Corbin’s three-stage coding method (open, axial, and selective) was used with the help of MAXQDA 10 software. In this research, 114 codes (concepts) and 19 categories were extracted. The causal factors for the development of the Nature Helpers Project include categories such as regional interests, public participation, environmental factors, governmental mechanisms, and knowledge and awareness enhancement. The contextual factors include governmental support, education and cultural promotion, and regional characteristics. The intervening factors include strengthening the cooperation plan, practical training, utilization of villagers’ capacities, and support from institutions and organizations. The core phenomenon categories include support for helpers, governmental executive actions, the capacity of non-governmental organizations, and legislative and judicial measures. The development strategies consist of promotional and incentive programs, educational and explanatory training, and facilitation measures. Finally, categories such as improving public participation, enhancing environmental quality, preserving national resources, and governmental benefits were considered as the outcomes of the proposed model. The purpose of this study is to design and develop a development model for the Nature Helpers Project in Kermanshah Province. This research is applied in terms of purpose, and the Grounded Theory approach was used to design the model. The participants included 24 experts and specialists in the field of Nature Helpers, who were selected purposefully through the snowball sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. For data analysis, Strauss and Corbin’s three-stage coding method (open, axial, and selective) was used with the help of MAXQDA 10 software. In this research, 114 codes (concepts) and 19 categories were extracted. The causal factors for the development of the Nature Helpers Project include categories such as regional interests, public participation, environmental factors, governmental mechanisms, and knowledge and awareness enhancement. The contextual factors include governmental support, education and cultural promotion, and regional characteristics. The intervening factors include strengthening the cooperation plan, practical training, utilization of villagers’ capacities, and support from institutions and organizations. The core phenomenon categories include support for helpers, governmental executive actions, the capacity of non-governmental organizations, and legislative and judicial measures. The development strategies consist of promotional and incentive programs, educational and explanatory training, and facilitation measures. Finally, categories such as improving public participation, enhancing environmental quality, preserving national resources, and governmental benefits were considered as the outcomes of the proposed model. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12387_d08d80ec0c8f8651faaaaf485ac8f693.pdf