The Role of Nature Based Lakes in Sustainable Tourism: The Example of Bolu

Abstract

Bolu province is an important nature-based tourism destination in Turkey with its manynature-based lakes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the nature-based lakes in Bolu province within the scope of sustainable tourism. In this context, it is aimed to determine the natural, cultural and socio-economic values of the lakes, to reveal the tourism potential of these values and to develop the necessary suggestions for ensuring sustainable tourism by examining the practices and initiatives aimed at protecting them. Within the scope of this purpose, the interview technique, one of the qualitative data research methods, was used in the study and face-to-face interviews were conducted with representatives of public institutions, municipalities and non-governmental organizations in the province within the scope of purposeful sampling. Data obtained from interviews with a total of 32 participants were subjected to content analysis. Accordingly, it has been determined that the lakes in Bolu are important areas in terms of both natural ecosystem and tourism potential, but this potential cannot be managed sustainably due to human impact, inadequate infrastructure and lack of coordination between stakeholders. It has been determined that sustainable management of the lakes in Bolu in terms of nature-based tourism will be possible by considering environmental protection, fair distribution of economic opportunities, coordination between stakeholders and environmental awareness-raising activities in a holistic manner.