Use of structural equation modeling in ecotourism: A model proposal

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is an effective model improves and test technique which is explain the relationships between variables in mixed hypotheses related to statistical models and provide to test theoretical models as whole. SEM is an analyze technique that combined the multivariate statistical methods which has been used especially to analyze models in social sciences studies, psychology, sociology, education, economics and marketing. The aim of this study, to provide for researchers introducing the use of structural equation modeling in ecotourism and to explain model specifications in stakeholder analysis. There are given some definitions, evaluations of model fits, model structures, examples from the ecotourism and landscape planning using SEM and ecotourism model proposals from literature related to SEM methodology. In the conclusion section it will be given a model proposal and recommendations using SEM in ecotourism and stakeholder analysis

Bringing the margin to the focus: 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management

Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity—ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation

A Structural and Predictive Analysis of Roundwood Supply in Duzce Province

This study consists essentially of two interconnected parts. First, it is explored whether there is statistically significant differentiation in roundwood supply quantities between the four state forest enterprises and/or between the destinations (within Duzce / outside Duzce). In the second part, the trends that were observed in the mentioned provincial roundwood supply are analyzed, and supply forecasts based upon the trends are made

DETERMINATION OF STAKEHOLDERS' PERCEPTION OF STUMPAGE SALES POLICY IN FOREST MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE: A CASE STUDY FROM WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION OF TURKEY

This paper is aimed to determine the stakeholders' perception against a new forest management policy for stumpage sales in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey. Ownership of country's forests (99.9%) belongs to the government and timber production and sales have been managed by The General Directorate of Forest (GDF) in Turkey. In the last decade, GDF applied the new stumpage policy to increase efficiency and decrease costs of management procedures because of the last policy's deficiency. In the case of stumpage policy, it is also important to consider benefits of this policy change to stakeholders. There are four main stakeholders in stumpage policy: forest management (GDF's technical personal, forest engineers), forest villagers (FV), forest cooperatives (FC), forest industry and logging contractors (FI). To analyze and evaluate these factors, this paper examines the perception and point of views of the stakeholders, using a large number of survey data. The structural equation modeling results show that the stumpage policy needs to be revised by the forest management due to stakeholders' negative perception related to technical, social and managerial aspects of the stumpage policy. This policy should be reconsidered to decrease the negative perception of the stakeholders and improved by the participatory approach by decision makers in Turkish forestry.Duzce University Scientific Research ProjectDuzce University [BAP-2012.02.HD.077]; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) scholarship programTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [2214/A]This paper is based on work supported by the Duzce University Scientific Research Project (BAP-2012.02.HD.077) and under grant The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) scholarship program, 2214/A.WOS:0006291812000152-s2.0-8510152051

Bringing the margin to the focus : 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management

Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity—ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation. This article is categorized under: Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awarenes

Bringing the margin to the focus: 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management

Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity—ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation