PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The large number of government incentives issued to the tourism sector in the 1980s resulted in the massive and rapid expansion of tourist facilities throughout the Mediterraneann coast of Turkey, causing negative landscape and environmental impact. The Government of Turkey, recognising the potential irreversibility of he environmental damage along its fragile coastline, has adopted Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and introduced legislation which protects some coastal zones. However, frequent sector-oriented changes in land use plans, the absence of coordination between the numerous laws and central sectoral agencies, inadequate implementation of legislation, and under-resourced authorities, have rendered the system ineffective so far. OBJECTIVES: The principal objective of the Coastal Management and Tourism in Turkey Project is to secure sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources in selected coastal areas of Turkey. Two coastal sites in Antalya, southern Turkey, with different experiences of tourism - large scale and small scale - have been selected. A process towards inter-sectoral ICZM, under a WWF-DHKD initiative and with World Bank funding, was started at one of the sites in 1995 for the first time in Turkey. This unique development must be supported to ensure the continuation of the process. Solutions to be introduced at these sites will be applicable elsewhere, and will lead to possible national legislative developments. The expected results are: participatory formulation and the officialisation of ICZM plans at both sites, establishment of inter-institutional coordination bodies with local participation, capacity of local communities for sustainable development, conservation of biodiversity, establishment of monitoring systems and the enforcement of national and international legal commitments for the protection of the coast. The Turkish Government will benefit from model planning experiences providing solutions widely applicable to other similar areas.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of this project was to ensure sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources in selected coastal areas of Turkey. The project targeted two demonstration sites: Belek and Çirali. The specific objectives of the project included: · Implementation and monitoring of a management plan at a large-scale tourist development area (Belek); · Promotion of environmentally and socially sound development through integrated planning, traditional and alternative economic activities, and nature protection in a small-scale touristic destination (Çirali); and · Dissemination of project results from Belek and Çirali in order to promote legal enforcement and regulatory development at the national level.
RESULTS
The project conducted a wide range of activities in Belek: they agreed with other stakeholders on a five-year action plan based on the priority actions identified in the Belek Management Plan; established a Steering Committee; drafted management plans for the two protected areas of Kumkoy and Talisburun; carried out pilot activities and public awareness activities which contributed to a better protection of the marine turtles nesting habitat; and started a monitoring of water quality and sea turtles nests. The project was also active in Çirali where they prepared baseline studies on specific environmental topics; formulated the Çirali Physical Plan and Çirali Management Plan; lobbied for the pilot enforcement of national legislation on illegal construction and sand mining; established a local association for implementing and monitoring of activities after the end of the project; promoted information and awareness on natural and archaeological values; identified and conducted pilot application of diversified socio-economic activities; and planned the participatory monitoring of key indicators. The Çirali component of this project received the UNCHS (HABITAT) “Best Practice Award” for its contribution to the conservation of nature and improvement of human life quality in Çirali. The project put great emphasis on information of the public and dissemination of results. They published the Çirali Bulletin and a number of newspaper articles and press releases. They also produced a few promotional materials. The project conducted a wide range of activities in Belek: they agreed with other stakeholders on a five-year action plan based on the priority actions identified in the Belek Management Plan; established a Steering Committee; drafted management plans for the two protected areas of Kumkoy and Talisburun; carried out pilot activities and public awareness activities which contributed to a better protection of the marine turtles nesting habitat; and started a monitoring of water quality and sea turtles nests. The project was also active in Çirali where they prepared baseline studies on specific environmental topics; formulated the Çirali Physical Plan and Çirali Management Plan; lobbied for the pilot enforcement of national legislation on illegal construction and sand mining; established a local association for implementing and monitoring of activities after the end of the project; promoted information and awareness on natural and archaeological values; identified and conducted pilot application of diversified socio-economic activities; and planned the participatory monitoring of key indicators. The Çirali component of this project received the UNCHS (HABITAT) “Best Practice Award” for its contribution to the conservation of nature and improvement of human life quality in Çirali. The project put great emphasis on information of the public and dissemination of results. They published the Çirali Bulletin and a number of newspaper articles and press releases. They also produced a few promotional materials.