Environmental Attitudes of Producers for Conservation and Sustainability of Wetlands; Seyfe Lake Wetland-Türkiye

Abstract

Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems in the world. Therefore, they offer rich biodiversity in the areas where they are located. However, despite all legal regulations, wetlands are at risk both globally and in Türkiye. This risk is mainly caused by the negative effects of climate change and unsustainable practices of those living in wetlands. Therefore, it is important to understand the attitudes of people living in these areas towards wetlands. In this study, we attempted to determine the environmental attitudes of producers engaged in agricultural activities in six villages bordering Seyfe Lake Wetland, which is under protection in Türkiye under the RAMSAR Convention, using the New Environmental Paradigm Scale (NEPS). Thus, this study aimed to reveal the relationship between wetlands and humans. In this context, face-to-face questionnaires were filled out by 119 producers who had land in the Seyfe Lake Wetland in 2023. As a result, it was determined that producers’ environmental attitudes were moderate. While this situation has a negative impact on the conservation and sustainability of the Seyfe Lake Wetland, producers believe that the damage and/or destruction of the existing wetland will not have a significant negative impact on household livelihoods and incomes. As a result, there is a need for sustainable wetland management systems that involve people living in the region to achieve sustainability in wetland management in Türkiye. A high level of interest and conservation motivation will only be possible if there is a positive relationship between these areas and their inhabitants. Simultaneously, it is important to support the producers operating in the region in terms of wetland conservation.