Table 4 Item statements for the deep core values, beliefs, norms, and enabling policy environment, their sources, and AST component

4a. Core value orientation

1.Respect nature and have harmony with other species

VBN theory (Stern 2000), Theory of basic human values (Schwartz 1992)

(de Groot and Steg 2008; Schwartz 1992; Schwartz et al. 2012; Stern et al. 1998)

Internal trait (Core value orientation)

2.Have a safe environment, unity with no conflicts and where people fit in with nature

3.Protecting the natural environment (forest resources) from destruction

4.Working and caring for the wellbeing of family and friends

5.Everyone is treated justly, even people I don’t know

6.Protecting society’s weak and vulnerable members

7.Having authority, such as the right to lead or command

8.Having social status and power and being able to tell others what to do

9.Having possessions, wealth and money

10.Maximize the production and utilization of forest and agricultural resources

4b. Beliefs: Environmental concern

1.Maintaining and restoring forest lands for ecological and economic balance is an important basis for rural development

the New Human Interdependence Paradigm (NHIP) scale (Corral-Verdugo et al. 2008); the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) scale (Dunlap et al. 2000)

(Corral-Verdugo et al. 2008; Dunlap et al. 2000).

Internal trait (Beliefs)

2.We must reduce our consumption levels of forest resources to ensure well-being of the present and future generations

3.Plants and animals have as much right as humans to exist and should be restored and protected

4.Humans have the right to modify the natural environment to suit their economic needs

4c. Norms

1.I feel personally obliged to protect, conserve, and restore forest landscapes

Norm-Activation theory of Altruistic (Schwartz 1977; )

(Steg et al. 2005; Fornara et al. 20112020)

Internal trait (Norms)

2.I feel guilty when I do not act to protect, conserve and restore forest landscapes

3.People I do represent and important to me think I should act towards protection, conservation and restoration of forest and agricultural landscapes

4.People I do represent already act towards protection, conservation and restoration of forest and agricultural landscapes

4d. Enabling policy environment

1.Forest restoration pledges, regulatory mechanisms and initiatives #Ethiopia are enacted, adapted and well implemented

The Bonn challenge (Dave et al. 2019), Governance of forest Initiative (Davis et al. 2013)

(Dave et al. 2019)

Structure (policy environment)

2.Forest laws, regulations, policies on forest restoration in #Ethiopia are clear and adequate

3.Land and tree resource tenure and rights in #Ethiopia especially in your project area is secure and clear

4.Benefit sharing mechanism are in place and clear (communities obtains benefits from restored sites)

5.All people especially the disadvantaged (poor, less educated) are involved in planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring of forests

6.All stakeholders have influence and share control over development and decision in restoration

7.State rights are given to communities and households leaving close to restoration sites

8.Bi-laws (customary, traditional) are more effective than state policies and should be officially recognized

9.Regional laws, policies are in line with federal laws and policies

Ethiopia’s forest proclamations(laws)

Ethiopia’s forest proclamations(laws)

10.Rural land administration and use proclamation, investment proclamation and watershed proclamations are in line with forest development and conservation proclamation

11.Rural land administration and use proclamation favors forest land restoration

12.Investment proclamation favors forest land restoration

13.Watershed proclamation favors forest land restoration