Assessment of Protected Areas Management Effectiveness in Turkey

Book excerpt: Protected areas are the most effective tool for conserving biodiversity. In addition to conserving natural values, these areas also increase nature awareness and rural development, reduce the possible effects of climate change, and strengthen cooperation between many different partner groups. Furthermore, protected areas are shelters for genetic resources and guarantees of food security, especially since they also contribute to the protection of gene resources. Therefore, effective area management is crucial. Effective and sustainable area management requires legal and administrative regulations, a culture of cooperation and collaboration, financial and human resources, and of course monitoring and assessment of processes and results. With the assessment of management effectiveness, good and bad situations, needs, and lessons learned are revealed and thus necessary measures are taken as quickly as possible. This book covers the assessment of the management effectiveness of national and natural parks managed according to National Parks Law No. 2873 and the National Parks Regulation, comparison of the assessments for 2005 and 2009 with 2022, and suggestions for protected area systems.