What are forests for? Social perceptions of the functions of public-managed forests following mega-fire events
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This study examined how people living near Portuguese forests view these natural areas after destructive mega-fires in 2017. Researchers surveyed 1,000 residents and found three different groups based on their views: some saw forests as moderately important, others valued all forest functions highly, and a third group strongly prioritized environmental conservation. Regardless of their views, most people cared most about protecting nature and air quality, while economic uses like timber production were less important to them.