Research Information System
APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, vol.15, no.3, pp.1079-1096, 2017 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, local guidance practice's effects on the sustainable management of protected areas were investigated. Kaz Mountain National Park in Turkey was selected as the research site. Face-toface interview method was used in this study and semi-structured questionnaires were prepared for that purpose. The statistical analyses were done using SPSS 20 Statistics Package Program. Shapiro-Wilk-W test was used to check if the data were parametric (p< 0.05). The associations between the variables were analyzed by chi-square test. As a result of research, the education level increases, the participants have a higher tendency to demand the provision of more comprehensive and detailed education on local guidance. This is important to enable the local guides to better understand the ecological processes and convey them to the tourists. Other important finding was the fact that new job opportunities are created for local people living in the protected areas. In this way, local people hold the ownership of the protected areas and try to protect them. In conclusion, if provided in compliance with the rules, local guidance may have an effect on the sustainable management of the protected areas.