Water is a basic need in order to survive all living beings. The functional use of water through the ages of living space formatted directed, has a significant influence on environmental design. In addition to the use of water for various purposes has refreshing climatic features, to create a living suitable environment for all living things and has the visual aesthetics features, to become an indispensable element in the landscape has provided. Despite the abundance of recreational activities, humans are mostly enjoyed water-based recreational activities. Water-based recreation is no doubt that the increase of needs. Naturally, the water surface provides great advantages in terms of recreation. Water in recreational areas, both inland and coastal water-based activities is an important element. For example, streams, lakes, ponds and dams’ coast, walking, cycling, water sports, picnics, etc. for recreational activities are indispensable elements of life. Core zone and buffer zone of Kure Mountains National Park is a rich area in underground and surface water resources. Canyons, waterfalls, sinkholes and water resources increase the recreational use potential of the area and these unique natural resources in national park make a difference compared to other areas. In this study, recreation potential of water resources in the Kure Mountains National Park was determined in accordance with suitability assessment, in this context national park was evaluated according to the land capability classes, view, vegetation, slope, current land use, recreational infrastructure, water resources, topography and the proximity to the road factors and suitability map was produced. Suggestions for active and passive recreational activities can be done in the appropriate spaces for recreation have been developed.

In today’s world, nature conservation and the notion of protected area are of vital importance for the living. Therefore, humankind started to take important steps for conservation of natural areas and preventing deterioration. Nature conservation studies dating back to old times in the world, was put in the agenda in our country after long years. Various protected area status were designated to the areas havin high resources value in our country, and these areas were put under protection by various laws. Some of this conservation status was formed based on the national legislation, and some based on the international conventions. Nowadays, promising actions are taken for sustainable use of biologic diversity and other significant natural resources. In this study; changes and developments in approaches to nature conservation in the world and in our country throughout the history were investigated, and the current situation in Turkey and in the world was revealed.