Resident perceptions of livelihood impacts arising from the Kızıldağ National Park, Turkey

In this study, perceptions, needs, expectations and participation levels in the park management of residents of the Kızıldağ National Park were investigated. It was focused on especially how residents’ livelihood was affected by establishment and management of Kızıldağ National Park. It was examined why residents do not support protection efforts. Research data were obtained with the help of a survey form prepared to determine the perceptions of residents living in the national park. For the analyses of obtained data, statistics package program (SPSS 20) was used and also independent-samples t test and one-way analyses of variance were applied. As a result, the most important negative effects were loss of income and changes in traditional lifestyle. The most affected group from these negative effects was the ones dealing with animal husbandry. For the sustainable management and protection of national park, sense of belonging should be brought to residents so as to increase participation, traditional lifestyle of residents should be conserved and new sources of income should be generated for residents. To improve the participation of residents in national park management, community engagement mechanisms can be used as a tool.