Temporal changes on transhumance practices in the uplands of Firtina basin and some ensued environmental problems

This study was initiated in order to determine temporal changes on the transhumance activities in the uplands of the Fırtına Basin. We used questionnaires and recorded personal conversation with the local people who are still practicing transhumance activities in the nine upland points chosen from a total of about 60 within the Fırtına Basin. In addition to determining present status of the transhumance culture, some environmental problems mostly caused by the ever-changing transhumance activities and a sharp increase in nature-based tourism in the area.The responds -gathered from the total of 114 questionnaires answered by those practicing transhumance activities for different reasons- were analyzed using SPSS statistical program. Also, voice recorders were used to record personal conversation with locals on how the transhumance culture has been changing with time and which aspects are the most affected by these changes.Results from the analyses showed that both the uplands themselves and the culture of the transhumance activities by the locals have generally changed compared to past. The decrease on the number of houses opened during the transhumance season, the number of livestock and the practice of animal breeding in these uplands are some of the changes supporting the transformation of such activities. Moreover, this study showed that even tough the number of visitors to these uplands has risen, most of them are only short-time visitors (especially during the months of July and August) staying daily or weekly for touristic purposes rather than practicing traditional transhumance activities. Thus, some of the houses (both traditional and modern style) are being transformed into pensions, used for personal short-time vacation areas or places to visit for health purposes.Key Words: Uplands, Transhumance Activities, Environmental Problems, Fırtına Basin.