Unique places, artifacts, natural beauties and some special areas in the world are included in the list of Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for protection purposes. Starting in 1959, the works gained momentum in the 2000s, and a special study created the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. First, some of the values included in the list of temporary heritage are included in the list of permanent heritage as a result of scientific studies and studies. While creating this list of permanent cultural heritage, regions, artifacts or values; cultural, natural and mixed. In addition to this list, there is also a study in the form of an intangible cultural heritage list.
Physical, biological and geological formations containing natural features, natural areas or areas that have superior universal value in terms of science, conservation and natural beauty are included in the natural heritage list. In summary, a list of outstanding natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic significance are included in this list.
In this study, a UNESCO world natural heritage list of established criteria, the importance of the list and will be examined with the natural features of the general lines of the locations that are included in this list and their world and Turkey will be attempted to be evaluated in the context of tourism geography. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between nature-based tourism types and ecotourism which has become more important in recent years. The UNESCO World Natural Heritage list includes natural beauties from many countries of the world. Sustainable tourism studies should be carried out in order to leave these natural beauties to future generations and all these special areas should be examined in the context of tourism geography. In Turkey, two mixed (both natural and cultural) that the list of areas of importance in recent years, tourism has become better understood than is being made on behalf of the different studies. Especially, these areas where natural beauties are in the forefront are of great importance for geographers.
Qualitative research methods were used in the study and suggestions were made to protect the natural heritage areas and to evaluate them in tourism.
Keywords : UNESCO, World natural heritage list, cultural heritage, tourism geography
Abdurrahman DİNÇ
