The ecotourism potential of Adana-Kiralan Neighborhood in the context of participatory spatial production

In recent years, the potentials of rural areas for ecotourism have gained importance in strategic planning at the global level and in achieving sustainable development goals. To generate sustainable solutions for activities and spatial decisions in rural areas considered for ecotourism, to eliminate conflicts of interest, and to ensure that local communities do not lose their sense of belonging, individuals are involved in production processes. This study seeks a process concerning the reflections of participatory practices in a rural area within the context of ecotourism. In the thesis, the contributions of living laboratories, evaluated as an innovative participatory method tool based on co-creation, to smart rural development within the framework of ecotourism are examined. In Kıralan Neighborhood, selected as the study area, a Rural Living Laboratory prototype based on experience and dialogue was attempted to be developed. It aims to provide equal opportunities for individuals living in these areas, to have a say in their living environment, and to develop their sense of belonging. The spatial production of the neighborhood, located on the heritage of the Çukurova Railway, was reconsidered within the scope of ecotourism with its natural, historical, and cultural values. It is considered that the workshops planned for the Rural Living Laboratory prototype have transformed into outputs that create value for the study area.