Linkages among ecotourism, landscape and natural resource management, and livelihood diversification in the region of Sugla Lake, Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate opportunities of the region of Sula Lake located in Turkey for community-based ecotourism development that enable sustainable landscape and natural resource management as well as livelihood diversification. A participatory research approach was applied by participation of a diverse number of stakeholders (e.g. local communities, local and central governmental bodies and researchers). A set of participatory research tools (e.g. interviews and field surveys), SWOT analysis and the method of Ecotourism Opportunity Spectrum (ECOS) were used to collect and evaluate relevant data. The study consists of four sections. The first section focuses on SWOT analysis by which the advantages and disadvantages of the study area for ecotourism development were examined. In the second section, the most suitable villages for ecotourism development were examined by adapting the method of ECOS based on the 18 parameters by using 1-4 score system. Accordingly, the most suitable five villages for ecotourism development were determined. Major natural and cultural ecotourism resources (e.g. diversity of landforms, spectacular landscapes and traditional lifestyle) of the study area were examined in the third section. In the fourth section, the ecotourism-based livelihood and relevant core capitals were evaluated according to 1-4 score system for the five villages. We hope that the outcomes of this study can draw attention of planners and policymakers to the role of ecotourism for sustainable landscape and natural resource management as well as livelihood diversification in the region and elsewhere.