LOCAL PEOPLE S VIEWS ON NATIONAL PARKS: THE EXAMPLE OF IGNEADA LONGOZ FORESTS NATIONAL PARK

43891

National parks, which stand out with their natural and cultural values, are among the places that are increasingly visited by people. Increasing tourist demand for national parks brings with it activities to further protect national parks. Protection of national parks is important both on a national and local scale in terms of continuity of natural resources. Since the declaration of a national park changes the protection and usage balance of the local people living around the national park, this situation can sometimes be perceived negatively by the local people. In this study, the awareness of the local people of İğneada about the national parks and their opinions and thoughts regarding İğneada Longoz Forests National Park were determined. The case study pattern from qualitative research methods was used in the study. The participants of the study are 35 people from Igneada local people. A semi-structured interview form developed by researchers was used as a data collection tool in the study. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the local people participating in the research have knowledge about the concept of national park and the rules of protecting national parks, expressed the importance of national parks for future generations as a continuation of natural beauty, were disturbed by the increasing ban on Longoz Forests being declared a national park and the damage to the environment caused by the tourist activities taking place in Longoz Forests National Park.

328

Longoz Forests National Park , Conservation Area , İğneada , Local People

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education

355

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education