Ecology - based environmental education in years between 1999-2008 in protected areas of Turkey: Aims and objectives, problems and suggestions

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the ecology - based environmental education program which was applied in years between 1999-2008 in national park and its near surroundings of Turkey. This education programme aims at using natural and cultural resources of in the national parks of Turkey, to teach graduate research assistants and teachers/scout teachers about nature. The expectation is to increase the environmental awareness of participants in general. At the end of the education program, it is expected that the participants will develop a better understanding of local, regional, national as well as international environmental problems; will be able to discuss and provide alternative solution to global ecological crises; and will take action in their individual lives towards creating a more sustainable environment for future. The main objective will be to teach natural interactions in an ecosystem. Emphasis will be given to human action that has been interrupted that interaction and made natural environments less sustainable. Therefore, particular emphasis will be given to cultural ecology of the protected are and the participants are expected to develop a through understanding of human and environmental interaction. The knowledge gained from the education is expected to be used by the participants for popularization of the science and for all kinds of sustainable activities in the future. Ecology-based environmental education is carried out in the national parks and its near surroundings in Turkey, under the coordination of Science and Society Department of Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) by collaboration of General Directorate of Nature Protection and National Parks, Ministry of Environment and Forestry the nearest universities to the parks and Ministry of Educatio