JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECOLOGY, cilt.17, sa.2, ss.737-746, 2016 (SCI-Expanded)
Recent researches on a sustainable relationship especially in urban areas have been focusing on ecosystem services. Green infrastructure approach together with green networks, green roofs and storm water management systems offers benefits for ecological, socio-cultural and economical functions. Natural areas including rivers, coasts or forest that located in and around cities are valuable assets for the unity and sustainability of urban landscapes. According to European Commission, waterfront cities which rivers pass through are ecologically valuable and those rivers are important components of green infrastructure that providing ecosystem services for urban areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate Bartin River and vicinity with regard to green infrastructure potential and the role and benefits of Bartin River in urban ecosystem as a natural ecological corridor. Study was carried out within 18 neighbourhoods in Bartin Municipality and covering 92 city parks on and around Bartin River.