https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/ Journals of Environmental Education and Sustainable Development en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12580.html Given the vital importance of the environmental problem and the necessity of a cultural perspective on it, this research sought to explore the challenges and problems of including environmental literacy in university curricula. The research was conducted in the field of environmental literacy and was an applied research in terms of purpose and in terms of method, it was qualitative, of the type of content analysis and based on the experiences of a number of academic experts in the field of environment in Isfahan province.Using the purposeful sampling method, the views and experiences of 22 of them were collected and explored as informative sources. The research data collection tool was semi-structured in-depth interview. Information was obtained according to the principle of theoretical saturation. In order to analyze and organize the information obtained from the research, the seven-step method of Collaizi was used. Overall, the findings of the research showed that the promotion of environmental literacy in the country's higher education is faced with two basic problems, i.e. structural challenges and implementation issues. Structural or fundamental challenges include things such as the lack of principled and accurate environmental policies in higher education, the lack of educational content and appropriate learning experiences in universities, the lack of an institutionalized culture in the field of the environment, and the neglect of environmental literacy in elementary school. On the other hand, the implementation problems of this field include issues such as the lack of professors and human resources specializing in environmental literacy in the university, indifference and lack of environmental concerns, extreme theorization of education and lack of laws. It is obvious that effective dealing with the mentioned challenges requires the policy making and precise planning of the university institution in the field of environmental education and based on that, scientific and calculated actions in this field. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12586.html The main objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of consumer engagement with green labels on the purchase intention of sustainable packaged products, with green attitude serving as a mediator (case study: bottled water consumers in the city of Gorgan). The statistical population of this study consisted of bottled water consumers in Gorgan. A sample of 210 individuals was calculated using the structural equation modeling method and selected via cluster sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire. This research is of an applied and descriptive survey nature, and data collection was conducted using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using convergent validity (average variance extracted) and discriminant validity (Fornell and Larcker criterion, cross-loading test, and heterotrait-monotrait ratio). The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and homogeneity reliability, with reliability scores of the questionnaire variables assessed to be above 0.7. Finally, the data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using statistical tests. The direct effect of consumer engagement with environmentally friendly labels on the purchase intention of sustainable packaged food products was found to be 0.189, while the indirect effect through attitude towards purchasing green products was 0.186. The direct effect of consumer engagement with environmentally friendly labels on the attitude towards purchasing green products was 0.447, and the direct effect of the attitude towards purchasing green products on the purchase intention of sustainable packaged food products was 0.416. These hypotheses were confirmed based on their significance values.This research is of an applied and descriptive survey nature, and data collection was conducted using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using convergent validity (average variance extracted) and discriminant validity (Fornell and Larcker criterion, cross-loading test, and heterotrait-monotrait ratio). The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and homogeneous reliability, with reliability scores of the questionnaire variables assessed to be above .7.Finally, the data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using statistical tests. The direct effect of consumer engagement with environmentally friendly labels on the purchase intention of sustainable packaged food products was found to be .189, while the indirect effect through attitude towards purchasing green products was .186. The direct effect of consumer engagement with environmentally friendly labels on the attitude towards purchasing green products was .447, and the direct effect of the attitude towards purchasing green products on the purchase intention of sustainable packaged food products was .416. These hypotheses were confirmed based on their significance values. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12584.html The growing urgency of environmental crises demands educational approaches that cultivate environmental responsibility from early childhood. Existing educational systems have largely failed to instill ecological awareness, contributing to the disruption of natural cycles. This study aimed to design and pilot an environmental education package focused on environmental citizenship for elementary school students in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with thirteen experts in education and environmental studies, selected via purposive sampling. The interviews were analyzed through conventional content analysis following a four-stage coding process. The research addressed three core questions concerning (1) the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral objectives appropriate for a locally grounded environmental education program; (2) the essential content and materials required; and (3) the most effective pedagogical methods. Based on the findings, a 16-hour pilot package was developed and implemented experimentally. Results indicated that the program’s effectiveness relied not only on achieving domain-specific objectives—enhancing ecological literacy, fostering empathy and emotional connection to nature, and promoting pro-environmental actions—but also on contextual and pedagogical factors such as the educator’s role, cultural relevance, and local environmental conditions. Effective teaching methods combined experiential learning in nature, creative expression, and multimedia engagement. The pilot demonstrated that integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components strengthened children’s attachment to their environment and encouraged sustained ecological practices. The study concludes that environmental education packages should remain adaptive and dynamic, evolving alongside changing ecological and educational contexts. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12588.html Different levels can be considered for public policy making. The strategic level of policy-making is considered to be the intersection of public policy and strategic management. Public policy in its process approach has general stages of formulation, implementation and evaluation. The implementation phase has received less attention than other phases. Environmental policies are considered to be one of the important issues of strategic level in various countries because they have wide-ranging effects on individual citizens and affect their health directly and over a long period of time. One of the most obvious environmental issues in the country is air pollution, which has had many negative effects in recent years. Laws have been formulated to eliminate and reduce air pollution, but they have not been fully implemented. The current research follows the why analysis and prioritization of the implementation obstacles of the clean air law as one of the most important environmental strategies through the use of a combined approach (first thematic analysis and then Dimtel technique). Theme analysis through interviews with environmental managers and experts of the country and finally data coding has led to the formation of 5 overarching themes (obstacles related to executives and managers, environmental, structural, hardware and infrastructure and defects in the nature of the law). Then, in order to level the obstacles to the implementation of the clean air policy, with the help of organizing themes, a paired comparison questionnaire has been formed. Finally, the obstacles to the implementation of the clean air policy are classified into two levels: high (effective obstacles) and low (effective obstacles). https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12585.html Despite the countless advantages of small and medium companies in increasing employment, increasing national production, and improving the quality of life of society, the lack of continuity of their performance is recognized as one of the main challenges in the country. The aim of the current research is to investigate the role of Internet of Things capabilities and appropriate environmental actions on the performance sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The statistical population of this research is the senior managers of SMEs in five selected provinces of the country (Isfahan, Tehran, Fars, Razavi Khorasan, and East Azariabjan) and 42 people were selected as a sample using the snowball sampling method. In this research, using the fuzzy Delphi approach, performance sustainability criteria and environmental measures and processes identified from the research literature were localized according to the small and medium companies of five selected provinces of the country. Next, by using the first step of the fuzzy house of quality matrix, the relationship of Internet of Things capabilities in carrying out appropriate environmental actions was investigated. The results of this section showed that the Internet of Things has the greatest impact on performing optimal processes, environmental performance assessment, and commitment to environmental standards. Also, the results of the second phase of the fuzzy house of quality matrix showed that the implementation of appropriate environmental actions has the greatest effect on achieving the reduction of greenhouse gas emissi=-ns, energy and resource consumption, customer satisfaction, the quality of manufactured products, and the amount of income in the company. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12582.html Place attachment provides an opportunity for environmental growth and the development of tourism spaces, as it facilitates environmental preservation and guides tourists' behavior in a purposeful direction. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to explain the model of place attachment in the pro-environmental behavior of tourists in Dezful County. The present study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its type and nature. The statistical population consists of tourists in Dezful County in 2023, estimated at 2,550,000 individuals. Using Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 384 participants, selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using a variance-based structural equation modeling approach with SPSS and Smart-PLS software. The results indicated that place attachment has a significant effect (path coefficient = 0.667) on the pro-environmental behavior of tourists in Dezful County. Additionally, all research indicators were found to be above the average and desirable level. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the components of place belonging, place identity, place dependence, and emotional attachment, in order of priority, influence the pro-environmental behavior of tourists in Dezful County. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12581.html This study aimed to analyze the levels of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among managers of sports facilities in Tabriz, Iran. The research adopted a descriptive, applied-developmental design. The statistical population consisted of all managers of public sports facilities in Tabriz (N = 97), A full census sampling method was employed, with managers from 63 sports complexes ultimately participating in the study. Data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The face and content validity of the instruments were confirmed by experts in sports management, and reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha. Non-parametric statistical tests, including the Sign test, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the Mann-Whitney U test, were applied to analyze the data using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p≤ 0.05. The findings revealed no significant difference between the managers' environmental knowledge and behavior scores and the midpoint; however, their environmental attitude scores were significantly below the midpoint. Further analysis indicated no significant relationship between environmental knowledge and either environmental attitudes or behaviors. In contrast, a significant correlation was observed between environmental attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, the results showed that the managers' environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were not significantly associated with their education level, years of experience, or participation in professional development courses.The findings revealed no significant difference between the managers' environmental knowledge and behavior scores and the midpoint; however, their environmental attitude scores were significantly below the midpoint. Further analysis indicated no significant relationship between environmental knowledge and either environmental attitudes or behaviors. In contrast, a significant correlation was observed between environmental attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, the results showed that the managers' environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were not significantly associated with their education level, years of experience, or participation in professional development courses. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12583.html Nowadays, the critical role of Generation Z in sustainability transformations and their influence on other generations has garnered significant attention in various industries, particularly in marketing. This study aims to explain a combined explanatory model of factors affecting the sustainable consumer behavior of Generation Z using a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, library research and snowballing techniques were employed based on the guidelines of Sandelowski and Barroso to extract research indicators. The statistical population for this phase consisted of valid scientific articles aligned with the research objectives. A bibliometric sample of 24 peer-reviewed articles was selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The interpretive validity of the study was confirmed according to the guidelines of Sandelowski and Barroso. The EndNote software was used for storing and managing the articles, and the research reliability was verified through comparative evaluation using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). In the quantitative phase, field studies were conducted. The research population consisted of Generation Z students in Tehran, who were selected using purposive sampling. A total of 361 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire, and data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS software. For validity assessment, convergent validity and the Fornell–Larcker criterion were employed. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which exceeded 0.7 for all dimensions. The results indicated that among the six identified factors, cultural and social factors ranked first, government sustainability policies ranked second, sustainable marketing strategies ranked third, psychological factors ranked fourth, digital technologies ranked fifth, and sustainable lifestyle ranked sixth in terms of their impact on the sustainable consumer behavior of Generation Z. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12587.html This study examined the relationship between family communication patterns and green consumption willingness, considering the mediating role of moral identity among secondary school students in Shiraz. The research is applied in terms of purpose and employs a correlational-descriptive methodology. A multistage cluster sampling method was employed to select 384 high school students (male and female) in Shiraz. Participants completed self-report questionnaires comprising the Family Communication Patterns Scale (Fitzpatrick & Ritchie, 2007), the Moral Identity Scale (Aquino & Reed, 2002), and the Green Consumption Willingness Scale (Roberts & Bacon, 1997). All scales demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties (validity and reliability) in preliminary analyses. The path analysis results revealed that family communication patterns (both dialogue and conformity orientations) had significant positive indirect effects on green consumption willingness. Both dimensions of moral identity showed significant positive direct effects on green consumption willingness (internalization and externalization). Furthermore, family communication patterns demonstrated significant positive direct effects on moral identity dimensions. The model explained 29% of the variance in green consumption willingness. The obtained goodness-of-fit indices indicated an appropriate model fit with the theoretical framework. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12682.html Today, it is clear to all organizations in all dimensions that not paying attention to the sustainability components of their performance leads to irreparable losses in the field of their organizational and personal reputation. In recent years, public awareness of the importance and problems of the environment has increased to some extent, and this has caused individuals, groups and various organizations to pay more attention to reducing the environmental impacts of their work than in the past, and to plan and take action in this area in order to increase the trust and participation of their employees and also to address social responsibility for environmental issues. In this regard, evaluation organizations have also designed and implemented standards and processes for reviewing, auditing and scoring these programs. In this study, an attempt has been made to extract the necessary content for evaluating organizations in the form of a national excellence award with green education and organizational culture components by researching reputable domestic and foreign articles, identifying relevant national and international awards, and utilizing the opinions of experts in the fields of environmental education, green organizational culture, sustainable development and excellence models. To do this, a survey of experts was conducted in three stages using a questionnaire. The results of the data analysis using MAXQUDA software led to the identification of 85 final components for examining the performance of organizations in the field of environmental education and green organizational culture, which are introduced in this article. The present study, by providing a comprehensive framework for introducing the National Green Excellence Award, has presented a new path in integrating sustainability, education, and organizational excellence. The resulting model can be used as a strategic basis for national policymaking and organizational planning in the field of the environment and pave the way for sustainable development based on learning and culture building in the country. The findings contribute to the theoretical advancement of green excellence models and provide a practical roadmap for designing effective sustainability-oriented awards. Future research may build upon this framework by conducting quantitative validation studies or applying the model in different organizational contexts.  https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12751.html Wetlands are among the most beautiful, ecologically significant, yet highly fragile ecosystems. In developed countries, governments facilitate wetland conservation by providing educational, research, and recreational opportunities for public engagement. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the establishment of wetland education centers. Although these centers have existed globally for over half a century, their history in Iran is less than two decades old, and their current status significantly lags behind the envisioned objectives. This applied research aims to assess the existing conditions of wetland education centers and propose strategic measures for their development. The statistical population of this study consisted of 42 executive experts from wetland centers across the country, and data was collected through participatory workshops. Initially, a SWOT analysis framework was utilized to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of these centers. Subsequently, the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was employed to prioritize feasible strategic approaches.The findings indicate that the strategic positioning of the country’s wetland education centers falls within the third quadrant (minimum–maximum area), signifying a critical need for intervention. The most significant recommended strategies include organizing wetland ecotourism tours to introduce and promote these centers, formulating a national education, participation, and awareness-raising framework, and enhancing local community engagement in wetland conservation efforts. The results of this study will help policymakers and decision-makers in the wetlands basin, especially in the Environmental Protection Organization, to gain a complete understanding of the current status of wetland centers and develop a coherent and comprehensive plan at the national level to improve their performance. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12752.html According to many environmental experts, the scale of ecological problems is a global challenge because the way humans have chosen to inhabit and utilize their habitat is the result of irresponsible human actions, leading to a critical situation in some areas. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the impact of responsible behaviors in Iranian society in dealing with Environment through a systematic review of theoretical literature. In this study, the data collection system follows a documentary approach, and textual data related to environmentally responsible behaviors are analyzed systematically using Rodgers' evolutionary approach. This analysis considers antecedents, characteristics, consequences, conceptual references, and related concepts. The results indicate that four antecedents-individual and social, cognitive, managerial and governance, and natural-serve as preconditions for the manifestation of two key characteristics: functional and structural. Moreover, in addition to positive consequences, there are also negative consequences with the possibility of discrepancies in outcomes. Furthermore, conceptual references have helped to clarify characteristics and related concepts by enhancing the understanding of similarities, differences, and concept descriptions. Among these, environmental attitudes, awareness, and knowledge are essential prerequisites for changing responsible behaviors, leading to an increased sense of responsibility toward the environment. Accepting responsibility fosters environmental ethics, and the development of ethics plays a crucial role in addressing environmental crises. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12753.html This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social well-being and environmental behaviors among citizens over 18 years old in Isfahan. Employing a quantitative approach and survey method, data were collected from 400 participants using standardized questionnaires by Keyes (1998) and Schultz (2001). The target population comprised approximately of Isfahan aged over 18 in 2024, selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Findings revealed that social well-being, encompassing social cohesion (0.59), social trust (0.71), social support (0.74), and sense of belonging (0.42), significantly influences environmental behaviors (responsible, collective, preventive, and sustainable). Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that 90% of the variance in environmental behavior is explained by these variables. The results align with theories of social capital, social trust, and place attachment, with social support emerging as the strongest predictor. The study suggests that enhancing social well-being through institutional transparency, local networks, and cultural campaigns can promote sustainable behaviors in cities facing environmental challenges like Isfahan. Limitations include reliance on quantitative data and the absence of qualitative factors. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12754.html The rapid pace of urbanization has intensified environmental problems that adversely affect human well-being. Urban parks play a critical role in addressing these challenges by providing Ecosystem Services (ES) that support public health and quality of life. Among these, Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are particularly important, as they reflect people’s connection with nature in urban areas and contribute to overall well-being. This study examines the relationship between socio-demographic factors and CES perception, focusing on gender, age, attention to landscape, and environmental attitudes. Environmental attitudes, measured using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale, are key for promoting collaborative environmental protection. Using an analytical-descriptive approach, 400 neighborhood park users were surveyed through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, validated with factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha, and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicate that gender, age, and attention to landscape do not significantly influence CES perception. In contrast, pro-environmental attitudes positively affect it. Individuals with eco-oriented perspectives are more likely to engage in recreational and social activities within parks, enhancing their well-being. This influence manifests in two ways: increased appreciation of CES, particularly recreational and social values, which improves mental and physical health; and greater environmental protection, as these individuals avoid behaviors that harm green spaces. The findings highlight the need to shift public perspectives from anthropocentric to eco-centric. Promoting pro-environmental attitudes requires raising awareness and environmental knowledge across diverse social groups, supported by collaborative planning and educational initiatives to improve CES perception and utilization in urban green spaces. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12755.html Environmental issues have expanded significantly since the emergence of modern nation-states. Although governments and environmental organizations have made various efforts to protect the environment optimally in pursuit of sustainable development and for the benefit of current and future generations, environmental crises have deepened, and the discourse of sustainable development continues to face numerous challenges. Consequently, sociologists have referred to such societies as "risk societies." Part of the problem can be attributed to how policymakers and planners perceive environmental issues and how they respond to them. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and employed reflexive thematic analysis. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with experts and stakeholders involved in environmental issues in Iran. The target population included 29 individuals comprising ministers, senior managers, specialists, and civil society activists, selected through purposive sampling. The findings revealed ten key themes: the complexity of the environmental concept, Iran’s ecological understanding, unbalanced development, idealism, the pitfall of self-sufficiency, lack of awareness regarding the issue, lack of shared concern, overcentralization by the state, an infrastructure-centric perspective, and organizational inertia. The results indicate that policymakers lacked an adequate understanding of Iran’s environment, its ecological fragility, and the need for development aligned with the country’s biocapacity. Instead, they have unilaterally imposed their ideals on society. Moreover, environmental policymaking processes, carried out across various levels and sectors, have predominantly focused on structural considerations, often neglecting the multidimensional nature of environmental challenges. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12756.html Environmental pollution has emerged as a critical global concern, drawing persistent attention from international organizations due to its severe ecological and socio-economic consequences. Developing countries such as Iran are particularly vulnerable, as rapid urbanization, industrialization, and rising energy consumption have significantly intensified environmental degradation in recent decades. Education is widely acknowledged as a key determinant in shaping environmental awareness, responsibility, and sustainable behavior; however, its measurable impact on pollution has received limited empirical attention.This study investigates the contribution of different education levels to environmental quality in Iran over the period 2006–2020. Relying on official national statistics, the analysis applies the Instrumental Variable (IV) econometric framework and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) estimation to address potential endogeneity between education and environmental outcomes. The findings reveal a negative and statistically significant relationship between education and environmental pollution. In particular, higher education levels—especially Master’s and PhD degrees—exert the strongest mitigating effect on CO₂ emissions, whereas lower levels of education show weaker but still favorable impacts.The results underscore the pivotal role of education in fostering environmentally responsible behavior and advocate for policies that integrate sustainability into educational systems. Enhancing education levels not only strengthens human capital but also serves as a powerful tool for improving environmental quality and promoting sustainable development. https://ee.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12757.html this study examines the factors influencing Iran's ecological footprint, with a special focus on the role of education and sustainable energy policies. The ecological footprint, as a critical indicator for assessing human pressure on natural resources, requires thorough analysis in Iran due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and environmental challenges. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of renewable energy consumption, economic growth, industrial value-added, and education on Iran's ecological footprint from 1961 to 2023, using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The main research gap in prior studies is the lack of attention to education as a soft factor in sustainability alongside economic and energy variables, as well as an emphasis on linear relationships instead of exploring nonlinear and asymmetric effects. The innovation of this study lies in incorporating environmental education into the NARDL model for Iran for the first time, enabling the analysis of positive and negative shocks.Findings indicate that renewable energy consumption and sustainable economic growth reduce the ecological footprint in the short term, though positive and negative shocks may yield varying effects. In the long term, education plays a significant and reductive role. The results suggest that policymakers should promote clean energy, impose taxes on polluters, and enhance environmental education to reduce the ecological footprint and achieve sustainable development. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions.