Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology 13, No 2, 628–642 (2012) Environmental protection and sustainable development
Ecotourism Policy Supported by Environmental Planning Procedure – an Environmental Planning Experience. Case of Identification of Igneada as an Eco-town E. O. Torea*, G. Cevikb, M. Gokdemirb, Z. O. Erenb, Z. Korkmazb Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Kultur University, Atakoy/Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey b Istanbul Metropolitan Planning and Urban Design Center (IMP), Tepebasi/ Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey E-mail:
[email protected];
[email protected] a
Abstract. Tourism demand is mainly generated by environmental assets, natural beauties, and cultural heritage. To perpetuate the tourism demand these assets, potentials must be preserved for forthcoming generations. This vicious cycle leads us to the importance of use and preservation balance approach and the issue of sustainability and corporate social responsibility which are crucial to sustainable tourism. In this frame, Igneada, located on the skirts of the Istiranca mountains and on the Black Sea coast, has great potantials. In this study, the existing socio-economical conditions of local people and the potentials of Igneada for ecotourism are examined and the alternative ecotourism activities and ecotourism products using the local potentials for Igneada (and the nearby villages) are given. The case of Igneada is examined regarding the 1/25 000-scaled Environmental Plan decisions of the city of Kirklareli as a considerable step in legalisation towards its identification as an eco-town. Keywords: sustainable tourism, eco-town, Igneada, Environmental Plan, alternative eco-tourism activities.
AIMS AND BACKGROUND Tourism demand is mainly generated by environmental assets, natural beauties, and cultural heritage. To perpetuate tourism demand these assets must be preserved for forthcoming generations. This vicious cycle leads us to the importance of use and preservation balance approach. During the last decades travellers seeking out pristine environments to visit are noticeably growing. Rate of tourists interested in not only environmental but also social and cultural circumstances related to the destinations visited are increasing1. In our century, where almost everyday dramatic natural disasters occur, raise of awareness and sensitivity towards ecological values and indigenous people are getting more compulsory for tourism industry. The issue of sustainability *
For correspondence.
628
and corporate social responsibility must be widespread throughout the world for sustainable tourism. Rise of awareness in preservation and sensitivity towards ecological values and indigenous people are getting more compulsory for tourism industry. On the other hand, through real protection of environment acts can only be realised with the will and belief of local people in the project, Environmental Plans are important means for legalisation and announcement of environmental preservation decisions. This study aims to examine Igneada, regarding the Environmental Plans decisions of the Thrace sub-region and the city of Kirklareli. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IGNEADA REGION Igneada is located in the Thrace region, within the boundaries of Kirklareli province in Turkey. It has 20-km long, 40 to 50-m wide shore2 lying on the north-east hillsides of the Istiranca mountains, on the Black Sea coasts. It is 12 km to the Bulgarian border, 26 km to Demirkoy, 98 km to the province center Kirklareli and 250 km to Istanbul (Fig. 1.).
Fig. 1. Location of Igneada in its province Kirklareli and in the boundaries of Thrace and Istanbul3
Although Igneada happens to be a preferable settlement since pre historical eras for human beings, its municipal authority has been established in 1971. As can be seen in the following figure, the population tends to decline after 1990’s (Ref. 4) (Fig. 2). The tendency of this decrease in population is explained by insufficient employment opportunities by the inhabitants and local authorities and told that the youth has to go to neighbouring provinces and Istanbul for the sake of employment.
629
3000
population
2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
1980
1985
1990
1997
2000
2007
Fig, 2. Demographical structure of Igneada: population tendency to decline in 1990’s (Ref. 4)
The economy in Igneada and neighbouring villages mainly relies on tourism, fishing, agriculture and livestock. While commerce and tourism sectors and pension operation and fishery gains priority in summer, especially during the period June–August, villagers are mostly employed in forestry, agricultural and free pasturage activities which consequently results in flesh and milk production. The produced flesh and milk, fruits and vegetables and honey are generally sold within the region5. Apart from these activities other income sources depend mainly on forestry products such as mushroom, untamed fruits, medical and aromatic plants, cultivated poplar and floriculture especially in the village of Sivriler. The main complaint regarding social and economic structure amongst the indigenous people is unemployment. Unemployment is explained by seasonal employment opportunities and inadequate variety of job opportunities other than related to forestry products. Although eco-tourism, fishery, bee-keeping, pension operating, organic agriculture, handicrafts, and livestock are seen as income opportunities, special emphasis is given to organic agriculture and bee-keeping. Igneada region has Longos forests which with its unique ecosystems provides a high quality habitat for a lot of different species of animals and plants. The Longos forests are one of the most important preserved water flood forests of not only Europe but also of the world. The Igneada region has various ecosystems and natural assets. It is also a rest area for birds of passage migrating from Europe to Africa6. The unique areas in this region that are taken under protection by various laws are listed below (Table 1). In order to sustain these natural resources and life-support systems and conserve the cultural values in it more efficiently and put into usage functionally all these separate areas are gathered and announced to be a National Park (3155 ha) in 2007. Some of the other archeological, historical, natural and cultural assets in the neighbouring areas of Longos forests can be followed in Table 2.
630
Table 1. List of natural assets under protection by name, date and explanation
Name Sivriler Erikli lake Coast between Erikli lake and Sea Mert lake Saka lake Saka lake Saka lake region
Date 1978 11.07.1991 21.01.1994
Type of the conservation wild life protection area 1st grade natural site 2nd grade natural site
Explanation
24.01.1994 29.04.1988 1998 11.07.1991
1st grade natural site natural protection area 1345 ha wild life protection area revision, 2003 1st grade natural site 4 tumuluses and Saka swamp Hamam and Pedina 24.08.1990 natural and cultural castle and 4 tumulus lake heritage in the forest Table 2. List of natural assets neighbouring Longos forest: sites and cultural buildings
Archeological sites Natural sites Registered military buildings Registered religious and cultural buildings
Cemetary (Ranpana) cave (Dupnisa) castle (Sivriler) iron foundary (Osmanli I. F.) open-air pray place Liman Baba tomb and epitaphs Liman lighthouse
In this study, by ‘Igneada’ we mention a settlement as one of the two accommodation centers of an ecological corridor, lying along the Black Sea coasts, in the skirts of the Istiranca mountains stretching from Bulgaria and reaching to Istanbul (Fig. 3). Along the Black Sea coasts the streams starting as springs from the Istiranca mountains running towards the Black Sea, end with lakes and swamp areas surrounding the lakes before reaching sea. Because of dunes these swamps and lakes stay as separate, isolated objects from the sea and during spring with the excess amount of water they get swollen floating backwards covering the surface of the flat area and this flood zone makes up the Longos forests. The Longos Forests on the extremely wet and clayey oil have a rich bottom flora. Longos forests are one of the rare ecological systems in our country which is characterised as a type of habitat under threat by the Bern Agreement. The sustainability of the Longos forests and biological diversity they provide depends on maintaining the balance of this fresh and salt water level. Any structure disrupting this balance such as dams, regulators, etc. will cause disappearing of this unique ecosystem6 .
631
Fig. 3. Igneada and Kiyikoy as the accommodation centers of an ecological corridor3 EVALUATION OF EARLY STUDIES
The Igneada region with its great potentials for ecotourism (excellent beaches, registered natural, historical and archeological assets, caves, forests and oxygen storage areas) has been subject to several international and national level studies, which during Environmental Planning procedure are examined and plan decisions are mostly based upon. One of the studies aiming to take the natural values under conservation around the Igneada region but at the same time provide job opportunities for the local people thus preventing emigration of the villagers is known as GEF II (Global Environment Facility) mainly a Biological Diversity and Natural Source Management Project, run by UNDP, UNEP and World Bank. The Project was started on 13th of June, 2000 by the approval of the World Bank. Within this study Igneada is determined as an ecologically unique region and the management strategies were set7. Another study at national level was held by Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey Tourism Strategies 2023 and Action Plan (2007–2013). The main decisions in these studies regarding the Igneada region are summarised below8. In the Action Plan (2007–2013) within the scope of the Turkey Tourism Strategies 2023 one of the proposed tourism development areas named as ‘Thrace Culture Line’ involves Edirne, Kirklareli and Tekirdag provinces and one branch of the corridor passing through Demirkoy extends to Igneada. On this ‘Thrace Culture Line’ it is aimed to increase the existing bed capacity regarding the various tourism types and improving the existing accommodation facilities with the studies in view of culture and eco-tourism. Tourism policies on this corridor are developed, considering biological diversity and natural sources and Igneada and Kiyikoy are identified as eco-tourism 632
towns and the existing fisherman barracks in Igneada and Kiyikoy are decided to be rehabilitated to accommodate yachts. A part from this, another strategy taken is, to shorten the time of transport by improving highway transportation which entails the construction of a divided highway8. In Demirkoy, ‘General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works’ has a dam project in the process of advance canvass9 that is on the valleys of the streams making up the Longos forest areas. 1/100 000-SCALED THRACE SUB-REGION ERGENE BASIN ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN REVISION
1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Ergene basin Environmental Plan revision is based on 1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Ergene basin Environmental Plan and plan report approved in 2004 (Ref. 10). In the process of legislation of the strategies and the policies had been set by different former studies of various institutions, the first step was 1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Ergene basin Environmental Plan revision. This plan was approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forest according to the Law No 2872 (Environmental Law), on 24th August 20096. In the same period, in parallel to 1/100 000-scaled Ergene basin Thrace sub-region Environmental Plan revision, 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli provincial Environmental Plan was also prepared according to the Law on Special Provincial Administration11. Indeed, 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli provincial Environmental Plan draft is prepared simultaneously with 1/100 000 Environmental Plan. These planning steps which are important stages towards legalisation, involve comprehensive evaluations of previous studies outputs, decisions and proposals in regard of the effects that will be caused to the environment and to each other. During the planning procedure, at first, the natural structure of the region, its topographical, morphological features, water resources, forests, agricultural land, ecological, archeological and historical values together with the region socio-economic structure are analysed. Secondly, the separate former studies performed by different institutions and associations in national or international level are evaluated, in view of all the above-mentioned analytical studies conclusions reaching to their synthesis stage, and then aims and decisions of the plan were set. This method enabled the important projects prepared by different governmental institutions to be evaluated all in one in conjunction with the consciousness of sustainability of this worldwide unique piece of ecological corridor and the spatial arrangements to be done in consequence. Following are the specific aims and decisions of the Plan related to this unique region6 (Fig. 4).
633
Fig. 4. 1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Ergene basin Environmental Plan revision6
By the plan the forests, agricultural land and archeological, historical and natural sites in this region are taken under preservation. One of the main objectives of the plan is to maintain the sustainability of ecological corridors together with rural development thus preventing migration. The plan targets to lead the existing potentials and to sustain the unique values of the area, to enable rural development by creating employment opportunities on alternative tourism and local culture. The Plan mainly aims to conserve the environmental assets in the frame of ‘sustainability’ and utilise the forests and coastal areas for eco-tourism in order to catch a harmony between sea tourism potentials and ecological life. The plan also targets to minimise the risks on the development trends (like the second home developments, Project on transforming the existing port to a freight port, the DAM project, etc.). Igneada and Kiyikoy are identified as eco-towns. Demirkoy being the administrative center of this region having the potentials of agro ecotourism is encouraged to be developed as a rural tourism core with all the villages around and with each of them taking role according to their potentials. Health tourism is also fostered considering the forests, water resources and high level of oxygen in the air which constitutes convenient circumstances for post-operation convalescence, rehabilitation, nurturing... etc. To raise accessibility to the region as proposed in the strategies of Culture and Tourism Ministry, the infrastructures of the existing fisherman barracks in Igneada and Kiyikoy are decided to be rehabilitated to accommodate yachts. But the proposal about constructing a divided highway is rejected by the plan in order to prevent the damage that will be caused to the forests by enlargement of the existing road to a divided highway it is preferred to enhance the technical standards of the existing road. 634
In the analysis stage of the Plan it is found out that the dam project of State Hydraulic Works which is on the valleys of the streams vital for the Longos forests will act like a barrier blocking sea water and the water of Longos forests conjoining. Therefore the project entails a risk to destroy the natural balance of the salt level which is a serious threat to the ecosystem. The dam project is also rejected by the plan. 1/25 000-SCALED KIRKLARELI ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN PROCEDURE
As mentioned above although 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli provincial Environmental Plan approval stage has not been completed yet, it has been prepared at the same time with 1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Environmental Plan. This enables both way directional feedbacks in-between the planning decisions. 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli provincial Environmental Plan draft is prepared in accordance with 1/100 000-scaled Thrace sub-region Ergene basin Environmental Plan revision decisions as macro-plan. So here, in order to hinder repetition, 1/25 000-scaled Environmental Plan planning aims and principles and main decisions which are set in respect to 1/100 000-scaled Environmental Plan will not be reprised. The study will here on, focus on only the proposals about the existing potentials of this unique region and the proposals of the plan utilising these potentials for ecotourism activities. The main reason of emigration is stated to be because of inadequate employment opportunities. So creating employment for the native people is of great importance. Preservation of natural assets is the only long-run continuous sources of rising incomes of the local people which will in turn lead consciousness of ‘protection’. In Kirklareli Environmental Planning studies11, Igneada is identified as the eco-town of the ecological corridor involving not only special natural assets as lakes, dunes, swamp and brushy areas along the Black Sea coasts, but also forests, longos, natural, archeological and historical sites and agricultural land around the surrounding rural settlements at the hillsides of the Istiranca mountains (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5. The Igneada settlement in 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli Environmental Plan draft11
635
Igneada being embraced by National Park and natural sites has no appropriate space for development of the settlement itself. Thus the plan proposed to use the area already planned as residential area by the 1/1000-scaled development plan approved in 2007 in Limankoy as the development area needed for the Igneada inhabitants. But precautions should be taken for the threat of this area to be used for second homes especially for plan suggestion of ecotourism to be developed in right manner. With the above-mentioned Limankoy development plan, a freight port (for cement transportation) was planned to take place in the area adjoining the existing fishermen barracks. Indeed the proposed area is geographically convenient to be developed and outspreaded as the main freight port for the Black Sea. Legally this approved decision had to be considered in the Environmental Plan. But thinking of the negative effects of this port to natural assets and to this unique ecological corridor, to prevent this, the Plan limits the size of the port to get larger than the approved size. Instead, the Plan decided to improve the infrastructure of the existing fishermen barracks to be transformed to a marina that will support the ecotourism activities. The Plan has decisions about conserving the rural texture of the settlements and villages. The development plans must be drawn up so that the new buildings will be in appropriate locations considering density limitations, in accordance with the existing texture of the rural life. North of the Mert lake and south and east shores of the Erikli lake are defined as plantation areas and building is prohibited in those areas. No new buildings are permitted within the registered urban site which locates just at the north of the Mert lake. Immediate precautions should be taken about the insufficient sewerage system of this area which constitutes a great threat for the contamination of the Mert lake12,13. The eco-tourism, agro-ecotourism and supporting tourism activities are proposed basing on the existing potentials of the settlements and the surroundings. The tendency of the existing local houses to be used as pensions will be encouraged14. The plan proposed daily tourism and recreational facilities along the coast of the Black Sea. These framings must be flexible constructions using wooden materials in accordance with the forest and country surroundings. The plan also offers culture and tourism functions in appropriate locations where the structuring will be in harmony with the existing country texture with local stone and wooden materials to be used for the new buildings. Proposals of Kirklareli Environmental Plan about ecotourism types for this region are categorised in 2 main groups:
636
– Main eco-tourism activities: agro-ecotourism, plateau tourism, mountain climbing and trekking, camping and caravan tourism, plant examination, bird observation; – Supporting eco-tourism activities: cultural tourism, health tourism, yachts tourism, sea tourism, hunting tourism MAIN ECO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Agro-ecotourism. In GEF-II Project organic agriculture together with picking up medical untamed and aromatic plants within the forest are stated to be best alternatives that contribute to socio-economic level of the local people while preserving the nature. Igneada is suggested to be one of the hubs for organic agriculture. Potential economical sources that will support ecotourism in Igneada and its surroundings are forestry, water and agricultural products which are listed beneath in Table 3. Table 3. Hubs for organic agriculture and potential eco-tourism products in the region7
Hubs for organic agriculture-led ecotourism Demirkoy Hamdibey Igneada Sivriler Avcilar Sislioba Begendik Balaban Sarpdere Gökyaka Limankoy
Forestry products bee-keeping (honey) sericulture mushroom untamed fruits jam wooden products aromatic plants
Water products
Agricultural products and crafts
fish seashells (as souvenir) fresh water products
milk products organic fruits and vegetables carpets
All these potentials and opportunities are supporting components of eco-tourism which will create supplement to family income by females. The number of village houses being used as pensions should be increased especially in Begendik where the architecture of the houses is unique, special to that region. Sericulture and organic livestock are other functions proposed for this region, especially in the villages, Armutveren, Boztas, Yigitbasi, Karacadag, Karanlikkoy, Incesirt and Yesilce15. As a project, bee-keeping has been proposed in 17 villages by provincial authority of Kirklareli which are Sivriler, Demirkoy Merkez, Igneada, Begendik, Sisliova, Avcilar, Hamdibey, Balaban, Yesilce, Karacadag, Yigitbasi, Boztas, Gokyaka, Incesirt, Sarpdere, Karanlik ve Armutveren namely16. Plateau tourism. The potential areas for plateau tourism are found in Limankoy and the area in-between the Istiranca mountains and the Black Sea coasts. 637
Mountain climbing and trekking. Igneada being so near to a crowded metropolis like Istanbul is very attractive with its potentials for nature walks and mountain climbing. Longos forests provide appropriate circumstances for bird observation, forest and plant examination, observation of Rhododendron ponticum blossoming17, mountain biking, wind surfing, canoeing in the lakes, sea canoe, horse riding, etc. (Fig. 6). These are set as additional activities basing on sport, recreation and nature to already existing sea and beach tourism during the summer months.
Fig. 6. Trekking and camping around Igneada18
Camping and caravan tourism. Limankoy has suitable places for camping. The Demirkoy forests and Igneada shores are also provided with appropriate places. Plant examination and bird observation. Igneada having high biological diversity has been announced as ‘Special Plant Area’ and ‘Special Bird Area’. SUPPORTING ECO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Although some of these tourism types can not be gathered under the definition of eco-tourism, we believe they are fundamental strategies of a comprehensive planning approach. Cultural tourism. Believing in enabling and encouraging the local culture has a crucial importance for cultural tourism, developing crafts and organising local festivals are proposed as supporting tourism activities – under ‘cultural tourism’. Also having a very rich potential of forest areas, the town is proposed to be enhanced in forestry products other than wood. Another sector to be fostered is decided to be carpeting and rug business. In the Armutveren village teenagers have already been weaving rugs by taking orders. Nowadays, in Armutveren and Incesirt hand looms special for this area as haircloths for the animals and throw rugs and nipping rugs for seats have been weaving by village women19. The Demirkoy name comes from the surrounding ferrous mine which once was run20. There are a lot of historical assets within the boundaries of the town. Near the center of the town there is the ironworks going back to Ottoman eras, 638
in Sivriler there is castle ruins, a part from these, in Sivriler around the Saka lake Ranpana cemetery and 4 tumulus have already been registered21. In addition 3 more tumulus around Demirkoy, Limanbaba tomb, open air prayer place, and lighthouse in Igneada should all be evaluated in improving the cultural tourism which will in effect support eco-tourism. Health tourism. The Thrace sub-region, especially with its forests, water resources and oxygen store provides various potentials for health tourism like its convenience for post-operation convalescence, rehabilitation and nurturing. Yacht tourism. In the studies prepared by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, 2023 Turkey Tourism Strategy and 2007–2013 Action Plan some of the fisherman barracks throughout the Black Sea, Marmara and Aegean seas are proposed to be used for yacht tourism. In Kirklareli Environmental Plan draft, two of them, Igneada and Kiyikoy fishermen barracks infrastructure and the managerial constitutions are proposed to be developed providing the services to match the requirements of the yacht tourism. In addition to yachts to increase accessibility to the region without disturbing nature sea buses are proposed. Sea tourism. The pristine shores provide 20-km long, approximately 50-m wide sandy beaches close to north winds and high waves of rough Black Sea (Table 4). The Igneada calm sea is a great potential for ecotourism. The sea and the beach should be used to support ecotourism activities sustaining the natural properties enriched with services suitable for the expectations of eco-tourists. The most attractive specialty is the beaches that makes summer months most densely visited period. Table 4. Carrying capacity of the Igneada beaches by length, densities and limits of persons
Place Igneada (Erikli, Mert) Limankoy Begendik Total
Length of beach (m) 3700 650 1700 6050
Max. density Min. density (m2/per.) (m2/per.) 22 55 22 22
55 55
Top limit of persons 6727
Lowest limit of persons 2691
886 2318 9931
355 927 3973
Hunting tourism. Kirklareli is on one of migrant routes of the two important ones passing through Turkey. This is why hunting is popular throughout Thrace. Because of the conservation areas hunting is forbidden in Igneada but it exists at the peripheral areas, mainly the areas near the Bulgarian border of Demirkoy, Kirklareli town and Kofcaz. To protect the animal species which are under threat of disappearing and to ensure hunting to take place in a more conscious and controlled manner Sivriler and the Saka lake and surrounding area are announced to be ‘Wild Life Protection Area’22 and to stimulate the production of whitefishes 639
naturally, fishing is prohibited in the areas towards the springs of the Kazandere and Pabucdere streams which are announced to be ‘Whitefish Protection Areas’. In the Environmental Plan, Igneada settlement is aimed to be developed as an accommodation center for hunters. The potential and the proposed eco-tourism activities mentioned above can be seen in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7. Tourism types focused on eco-tourism: potentials and the proposals of the Plan11
CONCLUSIONS Igneada has an unique environment with its Longos Forests and biological diversity which has already been subject to studies at not only national but also international level. There have been a lot of separate protection decisions taken by different institutions and associations involved in protection of nature throughout the years about the region, which we believe all had contributed a lot for the present situation of its untamed properties. Real protection acts can only be satisfactory with the will and belief of local people who are the main actors in this protection process. The tendency of emigration amongst the native people for the sake of employment is rising continuously in the region which is a great problem that must be overcome. The implementation of eco-tourism projects will verify that the life standards of indigenous people could get higher by preserving the surrounding natural assets. This will in turn spread out the consciousness of protection of nature. Preservation of natural assets is the only long-run continuous source of rising incomes of the local people. 640
Environmental Plans are means for legalisation and announcement of environmental preservation decisions thus has a serious stage towards applicable projects in the process of protection. They are important stages in preservation of nature, taking into account all the assets (natural, historical, archeological, cultural, etc.) to be conserved in a more comprehensive manner considering the social and economical status of the people involved together with the geological and topographical properties of the surroundings. With the Environmental Plans by using local potentials alternative eco-tourism facilities are proposed that will not only help in conserving this unique ecological corridor but also improve the well-being of local people. From this step on, it is very important at first, completing the approval stage of the prepared Kirklareli Environmental Plan Draft and secondly at least for some of the proposed projects in the Plan to be realised as soon as possible. It is crucial for some hazardous consequences of the ongoing projects (i.e. freight port, dam) and the tendency of emigration to get into control immediately. In conclusion, we believe that immediate action should be taken for more national level and cross-border cooperation implementation projects. And more funds should be directed for preserving this specific ecological region and thus sustaining biological diversity. REFERENCES 1. CESD/TIES: Consumer Demand and Operator Support for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Tourism. Prepared by Z. Chafe (Ed. Honey). Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development and The International Ecotourism Society, CESD/TIES Working Paper No 104, Revised in April 2005. 2. Igneada Municipality: Accessible at http://www.igneada.bel.tr/, accessed in July 2009. 3. Thrace Map: Accessable at http://trakya.haritasi.com/, accessed in July 2009. 4. TurkStat: Population Census. Turkish Statistical Institute, 2007. 5. AVM: Kirklareli Agriculture Master Plan. Agriculture and Village Affairs Ministry, Directorate of Kirklareli Provincial Agriculture, December 2002. 6. IMP: 1/100 000-scaled Thrace Sub-region Ergene Basin Environmental Plan Revision Report. Istanbul Metropolitan Planning and Urban Design Center, Istanbul, 2009a. 7. GEF II: Management of Biological Diversity and Natural Resources Project, Management Plan. Ministry of Environment and Forests, General Directorate of Natural Protection and National Parks, Igneada Protection Area Management and Planning Consultancy Services, Donation No: TF–023556, 2007. 8. TRMCT: Turkey Tourism Strategies 2023 – Action Plan 2007–2013. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Investment and Establishments, T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism Publications, publication number: 3085, Ankara, 2007. 9. SHW: Thrace Region Dam Projects, Directorate of State Hydraulic Works Region XI. 10. UT: 1/100 000-scaled Thrace Sub-Region Ergene Basin Environmental Plan and Plan Report. University of Thrace, 2004. 11. IMP: 1/25 000-scaled Kirklareli Environmental Plan Report. Istanbul Metropolitan Planning and Urban Design Center, Istanbul. 2009b.
641
12. MEF: Kirklareli Provincial Environmental Circumstances Report. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Kirklareli Governorship, Directorate of Provincial Environment and Forests, 2005. 13. MEF: Kirklareli Provincial Environmental Circumstances Report. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Kirklareli Governorship, Directorate of Provincial Environment and Forests, 2006. 14. WA: Wheat Association. Accessible at http://www.bugday.org/tatuta/, accessed in July 2008. 15. KAC: Kirklareli Agriculture Chamber Presidency, Turkey-Bulgaria Cross Border Cooperation, Know Experience Do Project, Organic Agriculture Booklet, 2007 16. KPA: Documentary of Organic Beekeeping Project. Directorate of Kirklareli Provincial Agriculture, 2007. 17. MEF: Management of Biological Diversity and Natural Resources Report. Ministry of Environment and Forests, General Directorate of Natural Protection and National Parks, 2007a. 18. NG: National Geographic Turkey. No 101, September 2009. 19. KG: Kirklareli Guideline. Directorate of Kirklareli Provincial Culture and Tourism, 2008. 20. Local Authority of Demirkoy: Accessible at http://www.demirkoy.gov.tr/, accessed in August 2009. 21. KAR: Kirklareli Advertising Report. Directorate of Kirklareli Provincial Culture and Tourism, 2008. 22. FDEP: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Visitor Carrying Capacity Guidelines. Accessible at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/Parks/planning/forms/CarryingCapacityGuidelines.pdf, accessed in May 2009. Received 29 July 2011 Revised 14 September 2011
642
