<p>The protection and sustainable development of the environment rely significantly on the contributions of both formal and informal institutions. Evaluating these institutions is pivotal for understanding their capacity to address environmental concerns and gauging their efficacy. This study specifically scrutinizes the qualities of institutions and their influence on people’s preferences regarding the environmental conservation of the Deepor Beel wetland, the lone Ramsar site in Assam. The study employs the Adjusted Adaptive Capacity Wheel approach to evaluate institutional quality. Utilizing the quantile regression method, the research explores the influence of institutional quality, along with socio-economic and idiosyncratic factors, on the people’s conservation attitudes toward Deepor Beel. Findings indicate a positive relation between institutional quality and people’s perceptions of wetland conservation. Additionally, factors such as education and years of residency near the wetland also emerge as positive influencers on Deepor Beel conservation. The comprehensive analysis sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics shaping people’s attitudes and underscores the pivotal role of institutions in environmental conservation.</p>