Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT, cilt.7, sa.3-4, ss.961-969, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
A great number of national and international attempts were carried for the prevention of environmental problems, but the role of public involvement has been often neglected. This study was carried out to determine the effects of socio-economic characteristics on the environmental awareness, environmental attitude and environmental sensitivity of the inhabitants of Antalya city, an important centre for tourism and agriculture in Turkey. Questionnaire was applied to 5 12 individuals randomly between January and June in 2005. Using face-to-face interviews, opinion and attitudes of the individuals on the environment and their socio-economic characteristics were questioned and data obtained were analysed by using chi-square tests, cross tabs and discriminant analyses methods. The results based on questionnaire surveys were evaluated by "environmental sensitivity determination method". Results showed that (1) environmental awareness scores of young and educated individuals were higher than their environmental attitude and sensitivity scores; (2) environmental attitude and sensitivity levels of women were higher than those of men; (3) there was a linear relation between education level and environmental awareness, attitude and sensitivity levels; (4) having courses on the protection of the environment and nature positively affect the environmental awareness, attitude and sensitivity; (5) marital status, age, profession and income had no significant effect on the environmental awareness, attitude and sensitivity. Improving education levels and integrating and sustaining environmental issues into education programs would support the development of environmental awareness, attitude and sensitivity. However, cooperation of local institutions, NGOs (Nion-Governmental Organization) and media and expansion of public-oriented environmental education with active participation would provide a long-term success.