Determination and Evaluation of The Recreational Carrying Capacity of Borçka-Karagöl Nature Park in Artvin Province

İnci Zeynep Yılmaz; Yunus Aydemir

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17223143

Authors

İnci Zeynep Yılmaz Artvin Çoruh University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3307-1193
Yunus Aydemir Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9101-500X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17223143

Keywords:

Protected Areas, Carrying Capacity, Recreational Carrying Capacity, Borçka-Karagöl Nature Park, Artvin

Abstract

The increasing number of recreational activities have become a problem in natural and cultural areas. It is a necessity to impose certain restrictions on the intended use. In this sense, the concept of carrying capacity has gained importance. The carrying capacity of the simplest form is the highest acceptable population level of an ecosystem. In other words, protecting the loss of natural and cultural resources in protected areas, which are sensitive areas, and paying attention to the use order is an important compilation planning tool preferred in the operation of tourism. For this purpose, in this study, the carrying capacity of Borçka-Karagöl Nature Park, which is utilized within the scope of recreational activities in Artvin province and used as a protected area, was determined between 2017-2021. As a result, recommendations have been developed to overcome the current situation. The number of visitors obtained by the Artvin General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (GDNCNP) in 2017-2021 was used. As a result of the evaluations made, it has been determined that there is an excess of approximately 6.5 times in the rate of utilization of only Borçka-Karagöl Nature Park for tourism purposes in Artvin province even between the years mentioned. Therefore, in parallel with the increase in people's demand for natural resources, it will pave the way for an increase in environmental destruction. For this reason, it is concluded that the relevant associations and organizations should focus on raising awareness of the people with planned studies and support.

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