Ecotourism Step-by-Step (Adım Adım Ekoturizm)

Ecotourism Step-by-Step is a project carried out by the Aegean Forest Foundation and sponsored by the Izmir Development Agency under the Tourism and Environment Financial Support Program. The project was initiated to protect the natural, historical and local cultural heritage on the Efemçukuru-Çatalca route in the Menderes district, and on the Karagöl-Kayadibi route in the Bornova district, to raise the level of knowledge and awareness about ecotourism, and to develop tourism alternatives such as rural tourism, ecotourism and outdoor sports on these routes. In accordance with this purpose, a nature walking track has been established on each of the routes, and eco-markets have been set up in suitable villages.

Great importance has been attached to the participation of local communities to ensure that the project can achieve both the expected results and sustainability, and 60 people from the local communities have been trained by expert ecotourism academics. 6 volunteers from both regions were trained theoretically and practically in field guidance by professors on the subject to ensure that inventory information on the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the region is better conveyed to tourists visiting the region.

Project Details:

Project Name: Ecotourism Step-by-Step Project

Projec Owner: Ege Orman Vakfı

Project Participants: Menderes District Governorship, Bornova Municipality, Bakioğlu Holding, Ege TV

Project Supporters: Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry, Izmir Regional Representation of the Turkish Mountaineering Foundation, Çatalca Ltd. Agricultural Irrigation Cooperative, Efemçukuru Ltd. Agricultural Development Cooperative, Kayadibi Aegean Yuruks Foundation, Mukhtar’s Offices of Çatalca, Efemçukuru and Kayadibi, and Ebruli Tur.