Deforestation processes in Greece: A spatial analysis by using an ordinal regression model

Abstract

Forest land use changes in Greece have been the outcome of combining forces with mostly economic and institutional origin. Interactions between the major land uses have diachronically resulted in spatial patterns of great economic and environmental interest. This paper aims at describing forest land use changes during the last decades in Greece as well as analyzing the major regional and economic development implications. Particular attention is given to the analysis of possible driving forces with economic and social origin. The estimations are carried out through the use of a statistical model that employs ordinal regression analysis. Ordinal regression is a variation of ordinary regression which is used when the dependent variable is categorical and the explanatory variables are continuous, or categorical. An advantage of this type of regression is that requires fewer assumptions as regards the relationship between the explanatory variables and the dependent variable. Assessing sustainability of development decisions on a regional scale through the evaluation of likely impacts on forest resources can provide great support in formulating better regional policies that incorporate the environmental protection objectives of the society. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.