Ecotourism in Old-growth Forests in Turkey: The Kure Mountains Experience

Abstract

Forests are crucial for the well-being of humanity. They providefoundations for life on earth through ecological functions, byregulating climate and water resources and serving as habitats forplants and animals. Forests also furnish a wide range of essential goodssuch as wood, food, fodder and medicines, in addition to opportunitiesfor recreation, spiritual renewal and other services (FRA 2003).Forestland covers 21,188, 746 ha, which corresponds to approximately27% of the surface area of Turkey (OGM 2007). Forests are among themost popular ecotourism destinations because of their unique values fortourists interested in nature in local values and culture. It istherefore critical to adopt a sustainable development approach in themanagement Of mountains and forests, where biodiversity must beconserved in the long term to minimize the negative impacts of tourism.This is increasingly being acknowledged by governmental institutions andnon-governmental organizations in some areas of Turkey. We report hereon the development of ecotourism and the support of local communitiesand other stakeholders in the Kure Mountains, emphasizingawareness-raising activities and benefits to the local economy.