ATTITUDES OF LOCALS AND THEIR DEPENDENCE ON THE NATURAL FORESTS: A CASE STUDY OF AL-BAHA AREA- SAUDI ARABIA - F. S. Al-Subaiee (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2014)
This paper examines the attitudes of local people living in the Al-Baha area towards natural forests. Some 500 respondents/locals through a random stratified sample were selected for the study. Data were collected by using questionnaires. A positive attitude of local people towards the natural forests was observed. On a 5 point scale, the mean value of the locals’ attitudes towards forests was 3.9 with SD 1.10. About 80% of the local citizens were well-educated, having jobs and with the reasonable income levels. Also, locals do realize the recreational importance and environmental benefits of the nearby forests. Some 76.2% respondents depend on the local forests for recreational activities. The study recommended planning and executing forestry extension programs for the education of the locals on forest management, environmental roles, development and protection; designating more resources for the development of forests; developing a new forests management system that ensures the participation of locals in the management, development, and protection of the forests.
Keywords: journal article; Attitudes; extension role; rural livelihood; environmental benefits; sustainable forest management