Explaining Climate Adaptation Intentions of Traditional Tiger Shrimp Farmers: Integrating Protection Motivation Theory and Pro-Environmental Behavior

Adaptation to climate change has become an increasingly urgent research agenda in aquaculture systems, particularly for traditional farmers who are highly exposed to climate-related risks. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), this study examines climate adaptation intentions among traditional Penaeus monodon farmers in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, by incorporating Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) as a key mediating mechanism. A quantitative research design was employed using structured surveys and face-to-face interviews, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to capture the multidimensional nature of cognitive and behavioral responses. The results indicate that climate adaptation intentions are predominantly shaped through the mediating role of pro-environmental behavior. Specifically, perceived risk and climate change beliefs do not directly translate into adaptation intentions; rather, they must first be expressed through tangible pro-environmental practices. Additionally, mediation pathways involving maladaptive responses were not statistically significant. Theoretically, this study extends PMT by empirically positioning pro-environmental behavior as a central behavioral mediator in the formation of adaptation intentions. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that climate adaptation strategies in the aquaculture sector are likely to be more effective when interventions prioritize strengthening pro-environmental practices at the farm level.