Evaluation of nature based lakes in Bolu within the scope of sustainable tourism

Bolu province is an important nature based tourism destination in Turkey with its many nature based lakes and ponds. In this study, which was conducted to evaluate nature based lakes in Bolu province within the scope of sustainable tourism, it was aimed to determine the natural, cultural and socio-economic values of the lakes, to reveal the tourism potential of these values, to examine the practices and initiatives for the protection of the lakes and to develop the necessary suggestions for ensuring sustainable tourism. In the literature review process of the study using qualitative research method, a conceptual framework was created by conducting research on nature based tourism, sustainable tourism and nature based lakes in Bolu province. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with managers and employees of public institutions and municipalities operating in Bolu province and having a say in nature, tourism and environment issues, and managers of non-governmental organizations through a semi-structured questionnaire created in line with the purpose of the study. Data obtained from interviews with a total of 32 participants were subjected to content analysis. Accordingly, it has been determined that the lakes in Bolu are important areas in terms of both natural ecosystem and tourism potential, but this potential cannot be managed sustainably due to human impact, inadequate infrastructure and lack of coordination between stakeholders. It has been determined that sustainable management of the lakes in Bolu in terms of nature based tourism will be possible by considering environmental protection, fair distribution of economic opportunities, coordination among stakeholders and environmental awareness-raising activities in a holistic manner. This study is important because it provides concrete steps for projects and applications to be carried out to increase the sustainability of nature based tourism in and around the lakes in Bolu. In this respect, the study contributes to the evaluation of current practices regarding the protection of lakes and the development of policy recommendations for ensuring sustainable tourism, and the diversification of administrative and strategic approaches