Investigation of relations between forest functions and some socioeconomic variables: The case of Turkey

Abstract

While human beings first utilized forests as sources of nutrition and shelter, by the industrial age, forests were seen as sources of raw materials. Through variation in forest usage, interactions between forest and society have undergone obvious changes. Thus, to investigate relationships between forest functions and socioeconomic data and, additionally, to estimate related trends, this papermain aim was to present the current situation in forestrelations. In this context, through regression analysis, areal data on forest functions were associated with population, education, and income level. Findings revealed that population and income are variables estimated to have the greatest effect on related areal change. Results also indicated that the area managed for economic and social functions will increase, and that managed for ecological functions will decrease. Therefore, considering these results in the context of policy formulation on sustainable forest management is crucial.