In Turkey and france, participation on management process in protected areas: Examples of Kazdaği National Park and the regional natural park of loops of the Seine Normandy

Today, the participatory management approach is involved in managing protected areas. This study aims to determine the participation in the management process in the areas of Kazdağı National Park of Turkey and The Regional Natural Park of Loops of the Seine Normandy (Le Parc naturel regional des Boucles de la Seine Normande) of France. The current situation of the participatory approach applied in the management process in the protected areas of the two countries has been evaluated. A survey was conducted with interest groups consisting of local people and visitors. Within the scope of the surveys, the views on the level of knowledge about the national park, the perspective of the national park, and participation in the national park's management were determined. Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), developed by the WCPA affiliated with IUCN, has been applied in both areas. It was determined that the level of efficiency of the management was 5% higher in the Regional Natural Park of Loops of the Seine Normandy than in Kazdağı National Park. In most legal regulations regarding protected areas and participation in Turkey, there is no provision requiring participation in area management. On the other hand, there is no provision in the relevant legal regulations to prevent participation. In the relevant legal regulations in France, there are provisions requiring participation in the management of the area. The participation principle is included. It is much more comprehensive than the legal regulations on the subject in Turkey. According to the Kazdağı National Park plan, it has been seen that participation in the management is more systematic in the plan of the Regional Natural Park of Loops of the Seine Normandy. It is seen that participation in area management is not sufficient for stakeholders in protected areas in Turkey. It should be ensured that the participation of stakeholders is included in the legislation and plans. France has a good legal framework for participation in protected areas. However, there are deficiencies in practice. In general, France is ahead of Turkey in terms of participation in the management process in protected areas. In the study, suggestions have also been developed to ensure participation in the management process in protected areas in Turkey.