The interaction of rural settlements by the Egirdir Lake and surroundings has been discussed in this study that has been conducted in order to support the studies of the Egirdir Lake Management Plan that is stated as a result of  two year study and to provide local  participation for these studies. The method used in this study is based on questionnaire, interviews, and direct observations. Besides several meetings about rural settlements and the Egirdir Lake were conducted among local people, stake holders and expert groups. According to the results of this study, the Egirdir Lake surroundings have been an important centre of attraction for human settlements from the past to the present. The people that established settlements around the Lake benefited from the Lake for various purposes. The benefit from the Egirdir Lake had not reached the sizes that could affect the hydrology of the Lake until 1960s. However, start of benefiting from the Lake for the purpose of agricultural irrigation in those years and the variation of benefit in the following years have been a significant element of pressure on the Lake. By reasons of these benefits, the Lake has consistently showed water deficit, and the pollution of the Lake has reached considerable sizes as well. When effectively managed by means of the Lake Management Plan, prepared with a participatory approach, the Lake can be protected from these negative effects.

 Keywords: the Egirdir Lake, pollution, Lake Management Plan, participation, rural settlements, Turkey.