The effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic on forestry activities: The case of Bartın province

The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic, which has affected the whole world in a short time since the beginning of 2020, has adversely affected not only human health but also many sectors. This thesis study was handled in order to reveal the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic in the forestry sector in the province of Bartın, with an interdisciplinary and multidimensional approach and to develop some suggestions. In order to achieve this aim, a 5-point Likert scale survey was conducted with the employees of Bartın and Ulus forest enterprise directorates and Bartın Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) Directorate in the full field by face-to-face interview method. The obtained data were used as material. In addition, data on forestry activities in the province of Bartın were obtained from the records of the relevant institutions, and data on economic results were obtained from the balance sheets of the related forest enterprises. Registered data were obtained for the years 2019 (normal year) and 2020 (epidemic year), and the interviews were carried out in May-November 2021. The obtained data were analyzed and evaluated via descriptive statistics, statistical methods (Cronbach Alpha test, correlation analysis, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Post Hoc multiple comparison tests), and financial statement ratios (profitability, productivity, economic efficiency criteria). Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22.0 package programs were used for the analysis and evaluation of the data. In the thesis, the exposure levels of each forestry activity to the coronavirus were determined according to the answers given by the forestry organization employees in the province of Bartın to the 5-point Likert scale propositions in the questionnaire form. In addition, the level of influence of the 12 forestry activity groups created was analyzed and it was tested whether there was a difference based on activity groups. Correlations between the views of the participants on the level of being affected by the coronavirus in forestry activities and some personal characteristics were determined. The null hypothesis (H0), which states that the views on the effects of the coronavirus are not different according to some personal characteristics, was checked. On the other hand, the effects of the coronavirus epidemic on each forestry activity were determined in absolute values and percentages by using registry data. Deviations from the targets were revealed with formulas, tables and graphics, and it was determined whether these effects were different according to forestry activities and enterprises. Likewise, the economic results of the enterprises were analyzed via the 13 financial statement ratios (2 profitability, 8 productivity, and 3 economic efficiency). As a result of the analysis and evaluation of the interview data, it was found that erosion control and pasture improvement, silviculture, and wood production activities with an impact score of ≤1.49 according to the average of 5-point Likert scores were not affected at all (0%) by the coronavirus epidemic; the construction and maintenance of forest roads, afforestation and sapling production, ORKÖY activities, forest cadastre and NWFP's production with an impact score of 1.5-1.99 were negatively affected at a "very little" rate (13%); human resources management, forest protection, business and marketing activities with an impact score of 2.0-2.49 were negatively affected at a "slight" rate (25%), and nature conservation and national park (DKMP) activities with an impact score greater than ≥2.5 were negatively affected a "moderate" degree (50%). As a result of the analysis of the registry data, it was determined that wood production activities in Bartın and Ulus forest enterprises, NWFP's production, operation and marketing activities, silvicultural activities, afforestation, erosion control and pasture improvement works, forest road construction and maintenance works, forest cadastre and ORKÖY activities were not affected by the coronavirus epidemic, but forest crimes were negatively affected and there was a significant decrease in DKMP activities. In addition, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it was detected that expenses in Bartın and Ulus forest enterprises increased, sales revenues decreased, operating profitability decreased by 54.79% (in Ulus) and 77.23% (in Bartın), and its economy decreased by 15.38-68.52%, and there were decreases in productivity rates. According to the findings, some opinions and suggestions have been put forward to reduce the negative effects of the coronavirus epidemic on forestry activities. Thus, positive contributions were made to the delivery of forestry goods and services without interruption, to increase productivity and economy based on enterprises and to sustainable forestry and social welfare in the long run. Keywords: Coronavirus (Covid-19), forestry, forest enterprise, profitability, productivity, economic efficiency, Bartın