Variability in Forest Visit Numbers in Different Regions and Population Segments before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Magdaléna Pichlerová, Dilek Önkal, Anthony Bartlett, Jozef Výbošťok and Viliam Pichler
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Magdaléna Pichlerová: Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
Dilek Önkal: Department of Marketing, Operations and Systems, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Anthony Bartlett: Tacit Bio, Bennett Corner House, 33 Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1SD, UK
Jozef Výbošťok: Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
Viliam Pichler: Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-9

Abstract: In view of the prevailing preferences for health and recreation revealed by previous studies as the main expected benefits of forest visits, the research presented herein focuses on whether such expectations would translate into a significant increase in the number of forest visits (NFV) following pandemic outbreaks. In this context, a Slovak nationwide survey on forests was conducted, with the main objective of casting light on possible changes in NFV as a coping mechanism or behavioral response to the discomfort and severe restrictions stemming from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the related measures. The survey was administered on a statistically representative sample after the pandemic’s first wave ebbed and restrictions were eased in the summer months of 2020. Collected data were assessed using ANOVA, the results of which supported the importance of forests as places providing opportunities for restoration of mental and physical resources. Forest accessibility as represented by forest coverage and settlement size emerged as a paramount factor affecting NFV rates both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and its accompanying measures affected the relationships between NFV and average per capita income, type of employment, and most importantly age, highlighting possible vulnerabilities and disadvantages in certain population segments.

Keywords: forest recreation; forest coverage; settlement size; COVID-19 pandemic; lockdown restrictions; number of forest visits; forest visitor age (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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