The role of the sustainable conservation in preventing disaster risks: Sample of Antakya Protected Area

Sustainability means the use of resources without being consumed and their transfer to future generations. The concept of sustainability, which expresses a healthy cycle in all areas of life, is directly related to the concept of protection. Integrated protection of the natural and artificial environment is possible by ensuring the sustainability of these environments. Historical environments that appear as artificial environments are also included in this scope. Historical environments are areas that need to be protected, bearing the traces of the past. Historical environments have been destroyed or even disappeared as a result of natural and human-induced disasters in the historical process. The effects of disasters are not limited to the loss of life and property. Disasters that take place in the historical environment also mean the loss of traces of the past and thus the cultural accumulation. For this reason, their protection and transmission to future generations is accepted as a universal duty. The most important principle in protecting historical environments from disaster risks is continuity. This principle means the protection of historical environments within the framework of social, economic and environmental sustainability dimensions. In this study, Antakya Conservation Area was chosen as the sample area. There are two important reasons for this. First, it has unique historical, archaeological, environmental and cultural values; The second is that the Antakya Conservation Area is in danger of extinction due to the risks of natural and man-made disasters. Antakya Conservation Area, which had to struggle with disasters such as earthquakes, floods, rockfalls, and migration movements, has been destroyed over time. This area, where cultural diversity and historical values are intense, can be protected against disaster risks in line with sustainability principles. For this reason, qualitative and quantitative research methods were used together in the scope of the study. In the analysis phase, on-site observations and examinations were made with literature review. With these analyzes, the current situation of the region has been revealed. Another quantitative research method used in addition to the analyzes is the survey study. In line with the data obtained, the social, economic and environmental problems of the region were determined and suggestions were put forward in order to prevent disaster risks and to overcome possible disasters in the historical environment with the least damage.