Abstract

Landscape planning which is one of the fields of study that creates a balance between natural sciences and engineering sciences in the best possible way is also important for natural resource management. One of the main purposes is a balanced planning of people and nature, instead of people oriented planning. In landscape planning, the approaches in which landscape functions are analyzed and the structure and change of landscape is presented have been supported by ecology and landscape ecology sciences. Water, erosion and habitat function of landscape has been presented in the research by the help of Geographical Information System (GIS). The research area is Kocaali District that is situated on Western Black Sea basin. A landscape planning approach demand that is to function as a pre-study for the next planning studies from Kocaali Municipality is the strongest reason for choosing that area. As a result of water, erosion and habitat function analyses, it has been stated that the beach in the north of the area should definitely be conserved; the forested land in the southwest of the area has high conservation value and the hazelnut-groves that can be seen in many parts of the area needs a medium conservation. In conclusion, research findings and water, erosion and habitat function analyses about landscape can be used in the planning decisions related to agriculture, forestry, settlement, etc. separately. Additionally, evaluation of the all landscape functions all together will make important contributions to the planners in sub-region and region scale.

Key words: Landscape planning, patch corridor matrix model, landscape habitat function, landscape water function.