Direction of conservation management of coastal forests from the residents' evaluation of their multifaceted functions in Okinawa Prefecture

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the multifaceted functions of coastal forests as well as the impact of tsunamis on the community's perception of coastal forests to understand the future direction of coastal forest conservation. The study was conducted in lshigaki(three locations) and on Okinawa Main Island(two locations). Questionnaire surveys were conducted at each site. After an evaluation of the different scales, with scores from 1 to 5, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted regarding perceptions related to the 'Currently-feltextent' (F-score),'Expected extentin the future'(E-score), and 'Dissatisfaction with coastal forests'(Demerits). At-test (at the 5% level) was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference between F-score, E-score, and Demerits scales. Overall, E-score showed significantly higher values than F-score. However, no significant difference was found for the scale 'Protection of a house against typhoons'. Regarding Demerits, the average value of 'Garbage dumping site' was significantly higher than the other scales. When comparing areas with and without coastal forests, the only significant difference was in the 'Blocking sea view', showing significantly lower values in areas with coastal forests. The existence of differences in evaluation and perception in a target region is regarded as a crucial element to be recognized for more effective conservation and management of coastal forests.