Evaluation of Tortum Waterfall According to the Criteria Used in the Selection of Protected Areas in Turkey

For more than a century, several countries all over the world have taken certain areas under protection

in order to protect their natural beauty and biological diversity. Today, protected areas, as well as their function

of protecting nature, are considered as areas contributing to human welfare, reduction of poverty, and sustainable

development.

In this study, it is established that with its landscape and natural landscape beauty, the Tortum Waterfall

is visited by lots of tourists, especially in summer. The waterfall is the highest in Turkey and Europe and the

third highest in the world at 48 m. The objective of our study is to refer to the current condition and importance

of the area needing protection and, therefore, continually promote and contributing to regional and

national tourism. With a hydrophical valley and area of 205.5 ha, the research area has been studied in accordance

with the natural protection criteria and necessity of protection has been suggested. Moreover, it has been

stated that the Tortum Waterfall should be taken under protection as a “Natural Park” and emphasized that the

improvement plans of the area need to be prepared quickly.