Determination of a sustainable integrated coastal zone management model using multi-criteria decision-making methods: The case study of Trabzon

This study examines human-induced changes along Trabzon's coastline and proposes a sustainable management model for its protection and use of areas within the framework of blue growth. Remote sensing data, GIS analysis, and the CORINE land cover classification system were employed to assess changes in the coastal area and land uses/land cover patterns. A public survey was conducted to identify local community needs and preferences regarding coastal use, protection, and planning. The study developed a sustainable coastal protection and utilization model by integrating GIS with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. The analysis revealed a net land gain of approximately 51.27 ha along the Trabzon coast between 2016 and 2023, primarily attributed to landfilling also used for port facility construction, although erosion affected 5 ha of the coastline. The public survey highlighted strong public support for protecting the Sürmene Çamburnu Natural Park, with recreational activities such as swimming and sunbathing identified as the most desired uses of the coastal area. Additionally, public attitudes were positively inclined toward sustainable coastal use, protection, and planning. The survey using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) indicated that "rocks/reefs" were considered the most crucial coastal habitat type for conservation, while "recreation" was identified as the top priority for coastal use.