CONTRIBUTION OF RANGELANDS IN QUALITY OF LIFE. THE CASE OF THE VIOTIA PREFECTURE, GREECE

摘要

Rangelands in Greece occupy 40% of the total surface. They constitute a very important natural resource as they offer herbage production, outdoor recreational activities, protection from erosion and water production, thus contributing to the integrated rural development. Rangeland multifaceted role has recently become known to the public. The management and conservation of these areas is directly linked to the quality of life of the citizens who live there. There are, however, different opinions among the citizens (respondents) as to how rangelands can contribute to their quality of life. This paper attempts to record citizens opinion and to define their typology regarding the contribution of rangelands to their quality of life with the help of multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. The research was conducted among the citizens of the Viotia prefecture, in the region of Sterea Hellas, Central Greece, with a structured questionnaire and the method of personal interview. The results of the research suggest that the contribution of rangelands to the citizens quality of life has been acknowledged by a cluster/group, which is consisted mainly of older men who have relatively low income.