ABSTRACT Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires effective pro‐nature conservation strategies. This study proposes and empirically validates a novel model that enhances conservation agency through sense of place (SOP) and promotes pro‐nature conservation behavior (ProCoB). Focusing on Bryde's whale conservation at Weizhou Island, China, a 3‐month educational program engaged 110 adolescents through lectures, participatory activities, and advocacy initiatives. Results revealed significant and sustained increases in conservation agency and behavior, especially among those involved in volunteer advocacy. Structural equation modeling showed that SOP directly boosted agency, which in turn promoted behavior, while subjective norms also contributed to increased agency. The model explained 65.8% of the variance in agency and 30.7% in behavior. Qualitative interviews confirmed notable improvements in participants’ SOP, attitude, agency, and behavior, particularly among those who integrated coursework with advocacy efforts. This research offers a theoretical framework linking SOP, agency, and ProCoB, highlighting the effectiveness of place‐based educational approaches.
Chang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.