National and Nature Parks set for the Holidays
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced that national parks and nature parks across Turkey provide citizens with the opportunity to enjoy and relax in natural environments. These protected areas offer air, water, historical, and natural resource values, making them popular destinations for those looking to escape city life and spend time in nature, especially during weekends and holidays.
With a total of 662 protected areas managed by the DKMP General Directorate, including 49 national parks and 265 nature parks, there are plenty of options for visitors to explore and experience the beauty of Turkey’s natural landscapes. As the summer season approaches and the 9-day Eid al-Adha holiday draws near, precautions have been taken to ensure the safety and cleanliness of these areas for the expected increase in visitors.
Last year, a total of 4.6 million people visited protected areas during the Eid al-Adha holiday, with top destinations including Beydağları Sahil National Park in Antalya, Marmaris National Park in Muğla, and Ormanya Nature Park in Kocaeli. Overall, 63.6 million people visited protected areas throughout the year, showing a growing interest in exploring nature.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized the importance of preserving these protected areas for future generations and reminded citizens to be cautious about forest fires. With 90% of fires being human-caused, mostly due to negligence and carelessness, it is essential for visitors to be mindful of their actions and avoid behaviors that could spark fires in parks, nature parks, and forests. Enjoying the beauty of nature also comes with the responsibility of protecting it for future generations to enjoy.
