The General Directorate of DKMP, under the Ministry, is responsible for national parks and nature parks that offer citizens the chance to enjoy, relax, and spend their leisure time surrounded by clean air, water, historical-natural resources, natural landscapes, and peaceful environments. These areas become popular attractions, especially on weekends and during holidays, for those looking to escape the city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Under the management of the DKMP General Directorate, there are a total of 662 protected areas, including 49 national parks, 265 nature parks, 31 nature conservation areas, 110 nature monuments, 85 wildlife development areas, 14 Ramsar sites, and 108 wetlands. Of these, 49 national parks and 265 nature parks are open to visitors, providing opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity that these areas have to offer.
As summer approaches, the DKMP General Directorate anticipates an increase in the number of visitors to protected areas during the 9-day Eid al-Adha holiday and has taken necessary precautions. All facilities on site have been maintained and renovated for public use, and measures have been increased to ensure cleanliness of the areas. Plans have been made to have an adequate number of staff present on-site, and necessary security measures have been taken to prevent any threats to the safety of visitors and their belongings.
During the previous year’s holiday, a total of 4.6 million people visited protected areas. Among the most visited areas during the June 24 to July 2 period were the Beydağları Coastal National Park in Antalya with 488,343 visitors, followed by the Marmaris National Park in Muğla with 471,231 visitors, and the Ormanya Nature Park in Kocaeli with 362,684 visitors. In total, 63,679,581 nature enthusiasts came into contact with protected areas last year, showcasing the popularity and importance of these natural sites.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı highlighted the significance of the 9-day Eid al-Adha holiday as an important opportunity for people to visit national parks and nature parks under the DKMP General Directorate. He invited those interested in being close to nature during the holiday to explore the protected areas that host a multitude of plant and animal species, emphasizing that these areas are not only a heritage inherited from the past but also a treasure that must be preserved for future generations.
Minister Yumaklı stressed the importance of citizens showing the necessary sensitivity when utilizing these areas, particularly in being cautious about forest fires. He pointed out that 90% of wildfires are caused by human factors, mostly due to negligence and carelessness. He also reminded the public to be more careful about forest waste that could lead to fires. Yumaklı urged citizens to avoid any negligence that could potentially cause fires in national parks, nature parks, and forests, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior to protect these valuable natural resources.
