Ecotourism potential of bird species in Gediz delta

Ecotourism is an important outcome of tourism, which aims at the sustainable development of rural areas by acting in cooperation with local people. This study examined the ecotourism potential of bird species in the Gediz Delta, which is surrounded by the districts of Karşıyaka, Çiğli, Menemen and Foça in the İzmir Province. Previous studies were examined and field observations were carried out to determine the bird species observed in the study area. As a result of the researches, it was determined that 269 bird species were seen in Gediz Delta and 153 of them were recorded in field observations. Bird species seen in Gediz Delta were evaluated according to different criteria and a new list of 60 species was prepared and presented to the survey. Participants were selected from people interested in birdwatching and were asked to evaluate the listed species according to their ecotourism potential. With these evaluations, among the bird species of the Gediz Delta, those with the highest ecotourism potential were determined. For the bird species that are found to have high ecotourism potential, land use maps have been prepared according to the parts and periods where they are densely seen in the Gediz Delta. The activities to be carried out to promote the Gediz Delta and its resources to the local people, our country and the international public opinion are urgent and important. The activities to be carried out to promote the Gediz Delta and its resources are of great importance for the local people, our country and the international public opinion. The industrial waste and agricultural chemicals on the Gediz River pose a threat to the biological diversity of the delta.