İsmail Menteş, the manager of the Kastamonu Provincial Department of Environment and Forestry’s national parks, said work in the Küre Mountains started in 1995 and that it was declared a national park in 2000. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency on Tuesday, Menteş noted that they are committed to completing all necessary steps for the Küre Mountains to be named a PAN Park.“There are 11 PAN Parks in Europe. Küre Mountains National Park is Turkey’s only candidate for the title. We believe Küre Mountains National Park will become a center of attraction in Turkey after it receives the title of PAN Park,” Menteş said.
Menteş also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the WWF and the Küre Mountains Eco-tourism Association (KED) have been working cooperatively on improving the park.
“A great number of people have been working to bring tourism to Küre Mountains National Park. An old mansion, Paşa Konağı, on site was restored by the WWF. Another mansion, Yanikali Konağı, was transformed into an education center. In addition, there will be guides for visitors coming to Küre Mountains National Park,” Menteş pointed out, emphasizing the exquisite natural beauty of the park, which has valleys, caves, canyons and waterfalls.
