Evaluation of the perception of ecosystem services provided by coasts: Samsun, Mimar Sinan-Korfez coastal axle example

When the development of cities from past to present is examined, after the Industrial Revolution, with the start of migration from rural to urban areas, there was an increase in population, especially in cities accessible to the coast, and this caused an increase in the need for shelter, one of the basic needs of people, and thus gray infrastructures increased, misuse of land and environmental problems occurred. Within the scope of the thesis, the Mimar Sinan-Körfez coastline of Atakum district of Samsun province, which is developing very rapidly, was chosen as the study area. It was aimed to examine the ecosystem services provided by the Mimar Sinan-Körfez coastline of Atakum district and to determine the perceptions of coastal users towards the ecosystem services provided, and suggestions were made in terms of planning and design principles. In the study, firstly, spatial analysis was performed with on-site observation technique. Spatial analysis was carried out in three different months of the year, February, April and July 2024, on two different days of the week and at three different times of the day. In the second stage, Visitor-Based Photography (VEP) Technique was used to determine the aesthetic space usage preferences of the users. Within the scope of the study, a survey was conducted with a total of 40 people, and they were asked to photograph the open places they preferred and least preferred in the study area, and to write in detail the reasons why they preferred or not. The most preferred areas with the VEP Technique were determined as swimming areas, open-green areas and activity areas; The least preferred areas were determined as the marina and rocky areas. In the last stage of the study, a survey was conducted with two different user groups consisting of 350 people (15-37 years old and 38-70 years old) in order to determine the satisfaction of the area users with the area and their perception levels regarding the ecosystem services (resource providing, regulating, supportive and cultural) provided by the area. It has been determined that there are differences between the survey results and the level of perception as the age range changes. In judgments about the perception levels of ecosystem services directed to users; While the data obtained from the first user group at the point of "providing food" in resource-providing ecosystem services was negative (41%), a positive response (60%) was obtained from the second user group. While the first user group responded negatively (61%) to the phrase "water treatment and waste control" in regulatory ecosystem services, the second user group responded positively (55%). While the first user group responded negatively (64%) to the statement "oxygen (photosynthesis) provided to the city through plants" in supporting ecosystem services, the second user group responded positively (55%). In the cultural ecosystem services, which is the last service to measure the level of perception, the closeness of the answers obtained between the two groups was determined; However, while the positive (96%) response of the first user group to the statement "opportunity for activities (resting, sitting, having a picnic, reading a book/newspaper, etc.)" was dominant, the positive (57%) responses from the second user group remained in the minority. At the point of creating livable cities, revealing the ecosystem services provided by the areas and the public perception is of great importance in terms of transferring the cities to future generations in a sustainable manner. This study revealed both spatial preferences, area satisfaction and perception of ecosystem services. It is thought that the study will guide local governments and researchers who will work on this subject. Keywords: Coast, Ecosystem Services, Atakum, City, Spatial Analysis, Visitor Based Photography, Survey Study