Ecotourism Perception from the Perspective of Local People: The Case of Rural Settlements in Şile District, Istanbul

Öz

In ecotourism, the local community plays an active role in supporting, utilizing, and protecting natural resources. Therefore, identifying the perceptions, attitudes, and expectations of the local community is considered essential for the sustainable development of ecotourism. Within the scope of this study, the attitudes, expectations, and participation desires of the local community toward ecotourism were evaluated using the example of rural settlements in Istanbul Şile (Ovacık, Yeniköy, and Karamandere). Data was obtained from 230 participants through a survey; quantitative data was evaluated using descriptive statistics as well as chi-square, factor, and cluster analyses. Chi-square results revealed significant differences in perceptions and participation tendencies according to the variables of education, age, and place of residence. Factor analysis structurally separated the dimensions of perceptions related to ecotourism (particularly natural and cultural values and participation tendencies), while cluster analysis identified local community groups with similar attitude characteristics, revealing different participation profiles. The findings will guide the development of planning, implementation, and management processes in ecotourism development in a manner consistent with local community awareness.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Ecotourism
• Community Perception
• Factor Analysis
• Cluster Analysis
• Istanbul Şile/Ovacık
• Yeniköy
• and Karamandere

Yerel Halk Perspektifinden Ekoturizm Algısı: İstanbul/Şile İlçesi Kırsal Yerleşimleri Örneği

Öz

Ekoturizmde yerel halk, destekleyici, kullanıcı ve doğal kaynakların korunmasında aktif bir aktör konumundadır. Bu nedenle, ekoturizmin sürdürülebilir biçimde geliştirilmesinde yerel halkın algı, tutum ve beklentilerinin belirlenmesi önemli bir gereklilik olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışma kapsamında; İstanbul Şile (Ovacık, Yeniköy ve Karamandere) kırsal yerleşimleri örneğinde yerel halkın; ekoturizme yönelik tutumları, beklentileri ve katılım istekleri değerlendirilmiştir. Veriler, 230 katılımcıdan anket yoluyla elde edilmiş; nicel veriler tanımlayıcı istatistiklerin yanı sıra ki-kare, faktör ve kümeleme analizleri ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, yerel halkın ekoturizme yönelik genel olarak olumlu bir tutuma sahip olduğunu ve ekoturizmin sosyo- kültürel, çevresel ve ekonomik etkilerine ilişkin farkındalık düzeyinin bulunduğunu göstermektedir. Ki-kare sonuçları; eğitim, yaş ve ikamet yeri değişkenlerine göre algı ve katılım eğilimlerinde anlamlı farklılıklar bulunduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Faktör analizi, ekoturizme ilişkin algı boyutlarını (özellikle doğal ve kültürel değerler ile katılım eğilimi) yapısal olarak ayrıştırırken; kümeleme analizi ise benzer tutum özellikleri gösteren yerel halk gruplarını belirleyerek farklı katılım profillerini ortaya koymuştur. Elde edilen sonuçlar; ekoturizm gelişiminde, planlama, uygulama ve yönetim süreçlerinin yerel toplum bilinci ile uyumlu şekilde geliştirilmesine rehberlik edecektir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Ekoturizm
• Toplum Algısı
• Faktör Analizi
• Kümeleme Analizi
• İstanbul Şile/Ovacık
• Yeniköy ve Karamandere

Kaynakça

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