Tourism: A Major Threat to Coastal Ecosystems in The Mediterranean

Mass tourism; Is among the fastest growing sectors in the world Total visits to The Mediterranean was 220 million in 1999 and expected to reach 350 million in 2020 Total income for The Mediterranean was 132 bn USD in 1999 Current trend indicates a dynamic growth in near future for Turkey, Croatia, Morocco, Tunisia and Greece when compared to more mature destinations.

Tourism in Turkey Boom with the liberalization of the economy in early 80’s Tourism Incentives Law in 1982 Land allotment to investors in coastal and forest areas by Ministry of Tourism 11.5 million visitors to Turkey in 2001

Legal status Turkey has chosen mass tourism investments to increase its tourism income Turkey plans to make tourism the biggest sector Ministry of Tourism is planning to increase tourism income to 50bn USD from todays 8.5 bn, but the ministry also promotes sustainable tourism in Turkey Signed the Convention Related to the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona Convention) Supports the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)

Effect on Nature Destruction of coastal dunes and beach habitats Destruction of coastal forests Depletion of freshwater resources Destruction of habitats of Endangered Species Marine pollution due to lacking or insufficient infrastructure Introduction of exotic flora

Effect on Social and Cultural Values Immigration to coastal towns due to jobs created Lack of local participation during planning Destruction of cultural heritage and architecture Destruction of agricultural lands

Mass tourism vs. “small scale” tourism Facility centered Does not utilize unique local cultural and natural values Most of the income goes to investors’ pocket Prices are low services are standard Destroys/damages natural/cultural values Site centered Utilizes natural and cultural values of the region Most of the income remains in the region Prices are higher and services diversified Has less impact on natural/cultural values

Mass Small Scale Mass Small Scale

Çıralı A village on southern Antalya coast

Çıralı Is included in “Southern Antalya Tourism Development Zone” but pristine due to its isolated situation Surrounded by Olympos- Beydağları Shore National Park and is natural and arhaeological sit area Major income source is agriculture and small scale tourism Is important in terms of bio- diversity, the beach is a marine turtle nesting site

Integrated Coastal Management and Tourism in Turkey: Çıralı Practice Project funded by Life The Aim: Promotion of traditional and alternative economic activities for nature protection in a small-scale tourism destination By Managing land resources by promoting organic agriculture and enforcing land laws Creating diverse, sustainable economic opportunities for a sustainable income Protecting biodiversity Having locals as the guardians of their own natural and cultural heritage

Çıralı

Tourism Tourism Only small pensions owned mostly by locals Bed capacity is around 2000 Çıralı is also a destination for daily visitors Visitors come for natural and cultural values of the site The visits are less affected by external factors that affect the sector

Tourism Tourism WWF Turkey, Co-ordinated the preparation of Çıralı land use plan and management plan Organized an eco-tourism course for the training of local youth as nature guides Identified trekking routes with the help of elder locals Produced an eco-tourism guidebook with information on trekking paths, flora, fauna and history Ran public awareness activities

Locals strongly oppose mass tourism development in their land They see “bad” mass tourism examples in the region They do not want to lose their own businesses under big investors’ shadow They owned the project due to their participation in all stages of it They see the importance of local values for tourism Çıralı: People

Çıralı: Successes The land use plan has been endorsed by the locals and government Local community trained on necessary sustainable tourism activities “Çıralı Coastal Zone Management Plan” prepared in a participitory approach Çıralı is now much in demand as a nature-friendly tourism destination both locally and internationally The natural/cultural values of Çıralı is now more important for the locals as these are the baseline for tourism The Çıralı Practice won “Best Practice Award” given by UN’s HABITAT in June 2000

Çıralı: Lessons Learnt Local participation is key to success Tourism, if planned well can contribute to nature conservation A good understanding of socio-economic dynamics is critical For tourism to be sustainable, locals need to gain enough revenue from the site to value and protect it

Çıralı model is the only example of sustainable tourism on Turkish Mediterranean coast and can be used as a sustainable development model for similar sites on Lycian coast and whole Turkish coast

ECO-REGION BASED CONSERVATION AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM ON LYCIAN COAST

LYCIA Ancient name of Western Antalya region Akdağ Mountains and Beydağları Mountains Eşençay and Alakır Rivers Geographical diversity: Bio-diversity Important agricultural production in some parts

LYCIA

History and Culture History and Culture One of the oldest indigenous cultures in Anatolia Lycians left signs of their unique architecture and art throughout the region These ruins, in harmony with the nature are an opportunity for tourism Ancient culture survives in local lifesyle

Lycia, Biodiversity Dense forests of pine (Pinus brutia and Pinus nigra) and cedar (Cedrus libani) Coastal dunes hosting great biodiversity and high endemism Breeding grounds and habitats for Caretta caretta and Monachus monachus High underwater biodiversity

Lycia, Protected areas Olimpos-Beydağları Shore National Park Kekova and Patara Specially Protected Areas, protected according to Barcelona Convention Natural and Archaeological Sit Areas along the coastline All forest areas are property of the state according to Turkish Legislation

Lycia, Threats from Tourism Exceeded bed capacity in planned areas Increase in forest fires due to increased access Secondary houses near tourism centers Unregulated anchorage of tour and diving boats:destruction of posidonia meadows Insufficient sewage and waste treatment facilities in some areas

A better tourism for Lycian Coast This tourism concept; Utilizes and respects local natural and cultural values Contributes to local economy better Is suitable to the characteristics of the region Supports conservation and protected areas in a well defined protected areas-tourism relationship Avoids all inclusive system, which does not utilize local resources

WWF Turkey Aims to protect biodiversity & unique values of Lycian coast for future generations through a more sustainable tourism which respects these values.