An investigation on environmental deterioration's originating from solid waste and solution proposals, within the context of environmental protection and sustainable rural recreational use

SUMMARY Deterioration of rural recreational areas (RRA) by increasing use have been rapidly rising. There is no research on recreational uses and problems emerging from these uses of National Parks that constitute the most important part of RRA. Trying to understand problems, to identify their characters, to reach valuable insights on solving them, and to contribute the present accumulation of knowledge with a constructive and critical approach, This research takes the first step to meet this shortage. The purpose, by analysis of situation and evaluation of the waste issue in the RRA, is to contribute the formation and development of a sustainable rural recreational landscape that gives importance to both knowledge and the present and future of the mankind and environment. The solid waste behaviors of visitors who use Olympos Beydağlan National Park, which was selected as the research area, for recreation, of private enterprise using it for commercial purposes and of park management, were identified by means of survey, interviewing and unobtrusive observations. At the same time, waste source and composition and present waste management methods and technologies were identified. The research findings indicate the existence of environmental problems connected with waste in the park; source of these problems are linked to the industrial mode of production, mo4e of uses by visitors and private establishments and the design and, management of the park landscape. RRA landscape shouldn't limited within the project design and application, the sustainability of RRA in terms of environmental protection during the daily uses is required. This inevitably necessitaties the application of solid waste management policy oriented towards sustainable development within the scope of protective use. Keywords: Solid Waste, National Park, Environmental Protection, Environmental Behavior, Rural Recreation, Integrated Waste Management, Environmental Deterioration, Waste Policy, Sustainable Ecosystem Design.