Abstract

Mounting environmental issues have prompted reconsideration of the human–nature
relationship. Accordingly, attitudes to nature, as an important dimension of human–
nature interactions, have become a research focus. How feelings and attitudes
towards nature are influenced by evolutionary and social-cultural constructions, and
whether there is variation between different cultural groups, demands more
attention. Using a survey of visitors to two very different National Parks, the New
Forest National Park, England and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, China, this paper shows
that of nationality and living environment, differences between the two
nationalities were significant in respect of both attitudes and feelings. Specifically, it
demonstrates that the biophilia thesis, which purports that people have an innate
and a genetically inherited need for affiliation with nature, is influenced by their
socio-cultural environment, in particular their national culture, but also by their
current living place. The study contributes to our understanding of sustainable
tourism in natural areas.