Abstract
USING FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES OF KAZDAĞI NATIONAL PARK AND ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT’S GEOPARK POTENTIAL
This study aims to present the geopark potential of Kazdagi National Park and its immediate environment, which resides in Balikesir provincial borders, within the framework of UNESCO criteria taking into account its geologic, geomorphologic, hydrologic, floristic, faunistic, cultural, historical, archeologic, mythologic and socio-economic values; and, to determine its appropriateness for usage in education. The study is based on field and literature works that were conducted throughout 2013-2016. At the result of the study, Kazdaglari and its immediate environment is found to be a candidate geopark area due to its significance. Consequently, it has been detected that it can be used for geopark education, which is a kind of nature education.
A probable geopark area established at the Kazdagi National Park and its immediate environment will first replace the ongoing prohibitions, associated with the national parks, with a sustainable usage. It is thought that the UNESCO criteria will lead to local/regional development, as in the other members of Global and European Geopark Network, and a vast majority of population will receive education about earth science, culture and environment issues. For this purpose, it is recommended to establish tour routes, observation terraces and education centers in the field, to prepare curricula, and to make collaborations with European and Global Geopark Network, as well as the local and central government and the NGOs.
Keywords
Geopark, Geopark Education, Kazdaglari, Sustainable Development.
