Factors influencing Local Communities Relational Values to Forest Protected Areas in Jordan

Abstract

ABSTRACT People value nature based on their relationship to it and the utility they derive from it. This paper explores the utilization of forest ecosystem services and the factors that influence an individual’s relational values toward two forest-protected areas in northern Jordan: Ajloun and Yarmouk Forest-Protected Area. A random sample of 200 members from local communities was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Later, we employed chi-square and ordinary logistic regression methods to determine factors associated with a set of relational values. The results revealed that respondents’ most valued cultural services and the provisioning of some ecosystem services. Recreation and collection of wild plants were the most frequently mentioned ecosystem services used in both protected areas. Socio-economic factors such as gender, age, income, and period of residency – influenced respondents’ relational values through monetary benefits, ecological resilience, social cohesion, and physical and health benefits. In conclusion, it is important to raise the local community’s awareness of forest ecosystems, and that institutional actions should recognize forests’ cultural, religious, identity, and existence values to help win continuous support from local communities for forest-protected areas.