Turkish valley to be developed as ecotourism area

Friday, July 25, 2008

Cehennem Dere Valley (Hell Stream Valley), which is home to rich flora and fauna, has been found highly suitable for a variety of ecotourism activities, such as trekking, terrain bicycling, flora discoveries and observation of natural life, according to the study by experts from the Eastern Mediterranean Forestry Research Institute and Istanbul University

Ahmet Can Erdoğan
ÇAMLIYAYLA - Anatolia News Agency

As part of Turkey's first ecotourism project, a group of experts has examined a forest of cedars and spruces in the Çamlıyayla district of the southern province of Mersin to determine its fitness as an ecological site.

The 40,000-hectare Cehennem Dere Valley (Hell Stream Valley), which is home to rich flora and fauna, has been found highly suitable for a variety of ecotourism activities, such as trekking, terrain bicycling, flora discoveries and observation of natural life, according to the study by experts from the Eastern Mediterranean Forestry Research Institute and Istanbul University.

�The studies for the project, which aims to determine ecotourism strategies, have been completed,� said Dr. Ersin Yılmaz, director of the institute. Yılmaz also said the experts have prepared a map for ecotourism activities to be held in the valley, the first valley where ecotourism examinations have been carried out in Turkey.

�In addition to its rich flora and fauna, the valley is also home to a considerable number of ancient monasteries, churches and windmills. When taking into account these elements, the Cehennem Dere Valley appears to have a genuinely big potential for ecotourism,� he said.

Seven ecotourism activities

Yılmaz said the valley is scientifically proven to be appropriate for seven types of ecotourism activities: observation of birds, flora discovery trekking, nature trekking, discovery trekking for non-wood forest products, discovery walking, bicycle tours and observation of wildlife. Of these, he said observation of bird species has priority.

Pinus brutia (Turkish pine), pinus thunbergii (black pine), the taurus cedar and the taurus spruce are major examples of foliage that make the valley an attractive spot for ecotourism, he added.

The valley is also home to various caves, cascades and geological forms. The project is expected to serve as a model for further projects in the field of ecological tourism in Turkey.

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