Abstract:
The present research focuses on the environmental problems, especially solid waste production and disposal and behavior of visitors in national parks. Kindilcesme Camping and Recreation Area of Olimpos National Park in Turkey was selected as the area of study. Survey research and participant observation were utilized to collect necessary data. Findings indicate that environmental problems, primarily the production of solid waste, as in many parks all over the world, is predominantly rooted in the mode of industrial production activities, the management policies and the manner of uses of consumer materials and goods with disposable packaging. The park users acknowledge the fact that there are serious waste problems. However nobody seems to accept the responsibility. It seems that there is an urgent need for cultivating environmental sensitivity and sense of responsibility. There is also need to make park users, policy makers, planners and managers sensitive towards the issue. Furthermore, environmental policy initiatives and search for solutions in recreation and tourism areas should concentrate on the waste prevention, minimizing the production of waste and maximizing the reuse and recycle activities at every stage of social production, distribution and consumption.
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