How the location of roads and protected areas affects deforestation in North Thailand

This article discusses the extent to which the location of roads s and protected areas affects deforestation in North Thailand. The article stresses that establishing protected areas (national parks together with wildlife sanctuaries) in North Thailand did not reduce the likelihood of forest clearing, but wildlife sanctuaries may have reduced the probability of deforestation. Where new roads are located affects how much of a threat they are to protected areas.The article found that road building, by reducing the impedance-weighted distance to market, has promoted clearing, especially near the forest fringe. The authors simulate the impact of further road building to show where road building is likely to have the greatest impact on forest clearing and where it is likely to threaten protected areas.