Sustainability of the Belgrad Forest: Visitor Opinions About the Potential, Price and Service Policy

Abstract

This research focuses on the analysis of the sustainable use of the Belgrade Forest and recreation area, which make up part of the northern forests of Istanbul. The forest, which is defined as the oxygen reservoir of the city, is one of the places that the local people use intensively. Activities for different interests such as sports, activities, leisure time, barbecue and observation are carried out in the recreation area. A large part of the region, which is among the natural assets of Istanbul, is under protection. In the city where the population is constantly increasing, it is of great importance to protect these natural areas and transfer them to future generations. For this purpose, it is very important to plan the sustainable management of the forest area and to take into account the thoughts of the users in this process. In the research, different questions were prepared about the way and method of use of the place, wage policy, management and improvement of conditions. A total of 193 people voluntarily responded to the study. While 68% of them stated satisfaction in terms of general use of the park, this rate could not be achieved in the specific question. In the study conducted on the activation of the entertainment sector, which is subject to a fee, within the forest area, 27% of the participants support the new construction, and 73% think that the ecological system should not be interfered with. However, a significant portion of 74% answered yes to the use of any facility to be built on the forested area for a fee. In general, people do not look warmly at any structures on the forested site. But the fee gives consent to use it in return. This situation is a guide for the development and political attitude to be applied by the park administration. As a result, the sustainability of the Belgrade Forest, which is often used by all age groups, depends on the principles of planned management. Therefore, taking into account the wishes and expectations of visitors together with the ecological situation will make the planned use more meaningful.