**4.2 Natural and cultural environment conservation**

Local residents of Amasra are aware of the natural, historic and cultural values of the town and believe that these values should be protected for sustainable tourism. Moreover, they are aware that the new land development is incompatible with the traditional urban pattern.

#### **4.3 The expectations and suggestions of the local residents regarding tourism planning and management strategies in Amasra**

First of all, the negative environmental factors (see Figure 6) that could hinder the development of tourism activities in Amasra should be overcome for sustainable tourism planning and management. An effective tourism planning and management in Amasra should be sustainable for the natural and cultural environment, economically efficient and supported by the local community. In addition, public awareness-training seminars on tourism could be organized.

In sustainable tourism planning and management, tourism development should be planned according to the carrying capacity of the city for protecting and maintaining the natural, cultural and historical values and for tourism to be sustainable. In this respect, both natural and social aspects need to be addressed as a whole, and planning should be carried out in accordance with national and international regulations.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2009), coordination among destinations within a region usually improves planning. Considering the ties among regional assets and attractions during the planning phase would create opportunities for linking all the regional attractions of a destination. In addition to its own dynamics, Amasra should establish relationships with its hinterland for diversifying tourism activities and making them year-long. In this respect, the natural beaches in the 59-km coastal area of Bartn, one of Europe's major ecosystems, Kastamonu-Bartn Küre Mountains National Park, the Bartn River, the only natural waterway that allows for transport in Turkey, and Safranbolu, which is in the UNESCO World Heritage List, should be integrated into the regional tourism plan as greenway planning.

As a result, tourism planning and management strategies considering the balance between protection and use of natural and cultural values and based on public participation would contribute to sustainable regional development.

#### **5. References**

196 Landscape Planning

The demand for Amasra is based mostly on its coastal location, the natural, cultural, historical and gastronomic (especially seafood restaurants) aspects. The continuity of the contributions of these aspects to tourism should be ensured with considering the balance between conservation and use. In addition, the production of local organic products, which are widespread in Amasra, should be promoted and awareness of local residents should be

This study investigated the positive and negative effects of tourism development in Amasra. On the one hand, tourism contributes to the promotion of the city, its economy and to the protection of cultural heritage. On the other hand, it has negative effects on the natural and

According to the survey results, there is a high tourist demand for Amasra during the summer months (June, July, August) due to the its location on the coast. It is necessary to diversify tourism activities to attract tourists to the city throughout the year and extend the duration of stay. In this respect, particularly cultural and nature tourism are among the

Local residents of Amasra are aware of the natural, historic and cultural values of the town and believe that these values should be protected for sustainable tourism. Moreover, they are aware that the new land development is incompatible with the traditional urban pattern.

First of all, the negative environmental factors (see Figure 6) that could hinder the development of tourism activities in Amasra should be overcome for sustainable tourism planning and management. An effective tourism planning and management in Amasra should be sustainable for the natural and cultural environment, economically efficient and supported by the local community. In addition, public awareness-training seminars on

In sustainable tourism planning and management, tourism development should be planned according to the carrying capacity of the city for protecting and maintaining the natural, cultural and historical values and for tourism to be sustainable. In this respect, both natural and social aspects need to be addressed as a whole, and planning should be carried out in

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2009), coordination among destinations within a region usually improves planning. Considering the ties among regional assets and attractions during the planning phase would create opportunities for linking all the regional attractions of a destination. In addition to its own dynamics, Amasra should establish relationships with its hinterland for diversifying tourism activities and making them year-long. In this respect, the natural beaches in the 59-km coastal area of Bartn, one of Europe's major ecosystems, Kastamonu-Bartn Küre Mountains National Park, the Bartn River, the only natural waterway that allows for transport in Turkey, and Safranbolu, which is in the UNESCO World Heritage List, should be integrated into the

**4.3 The expectations and suggestions of the local residents regarding tourism** 

raised. In this respect, tourist tours should be organized to such areas of production.

traditional characteristics due to unplanned land development.

types of tourism to be developed in Amasra.

**4.2 Natural and cultural environment conservation** 

**planning and management strategies in Amasra** 

accordance with national and international regulations.

regional tourism plan as greenway planning.

tourism could be organized.


**1. Introduction** 

(Dwyer et al., 1992, 2003; Westphal 2003).

anthropogenic causes (Sæbo et al., 2003).

**9** 

*Slovak Republic* 

**Woody Plants in Landscape Planning** 

Vegetation is considered to be a significant element of the landscape. The greenery elements design landscape scenery and have productive and eco-stabilizing functions in the landscape area. Woody plants have a specific position within the greenery elements. They have bigger dimensions in comparison to the other plants, their organs usually have large surfaces and their biomass fills large parts of the overhead space and the soil. Trees and shrubs have great influence on the environment and living conditions of the other organisms. Short-term changes in ecosystems do not significantly impact their lifecycle and survival. Woody plants are long-lived organisms with different adaptability to changes of environmental conditions. The knowledge of the morphological characteristics, as well as biological and ecological qualities of woody plants is very important for their efficient utilization (Paganova, 2006; Paganova et al., 2010; Sjöman, 2012; Valladares et al., 2007).

In urban conditions woody plants have several environmental, economic and social benefits. Trees reduce heat, wind speed and provide shading, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings (Sand, 1994; Simpson, 1998; McPherson & Simpson, 2003). Urban greenery increases the sociological value of the environment, improving the aesthetic and hygienic properties of the particular place. It also increases positive feelings and moods, enjoyment of everyday life and stronger feelings of connection between people and the environment

However, environmental conditions in urban areas are significantly different to natural habitats. Plants in urban areas are exposed to many negative factors like: water deficit, soil compaction, pollutants, artificial lighting, overheating of the root zone and mechanical injuries. According to Nilsson et al. (2000), street trees are exposed to multiple stresses and their average lifespan is short. Park trees are exposed to moderate stress and compared to street trees their lifespan is relatively high. In urban woodlands the level of stress depends more on climate, soil conditions, recreational patterns and biotic damages rather than on

Proper woody plant selection for specific conditions and establishment of the effective vegetation elements increases the functionality and stability of the landscape area (Paganova, 2004; Paganova, 2006). Like all living organisms, woody plants change in time

**and Landscape Design** 

Viera Paganová and Zuzana Jureková *Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra* 

