Afforestation and Local Residents in County Kerry, Ireland

摘要

A strong case can be made for the global benefits of afforestation, particularly in areas with a history of deforestation. One challenge of afforestation, however, is that the trees have to be put in someone's "backyard." Local responses to afforestation depend in large part on local context. This study looks at local reactions to the planting of new forests in County Kerry, Ireland. Based on interviews with a cross-section of local residents and local actors we identify a number of social positives and negatives associated with afforestation as seen through the eyes of local people. We recommend even greater attention to the relationship of land use and local community development as forestry moves forward in the present day Ireland. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]