Effects of protected areas on ecotourism development: Case study in Camili biosphere reserve

The aim of this study is to analyze the impacts of eco-tourism developments on protected area. Study was carried out in Camili Biosphere Reserve which was established according to UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve criterias and includes different protected area categories managed by Ministry of Environment and Forest. Moreover, this area is fully covered by Camili Forest Management Unit in Borçka Forest District of Artvin Regional Directorate of Forestry. Within this study methodology includes literature search, face to face interviews and questionnaires with local people and officials. Three different types of survey were carried out with local people (103 people), tourists (75 people) and pension holders/bus drivers (10 people). Surveys were analyzed using Chisquare test.It was assessed that some changes were defined in Camili Basin after the establishment of Camili Biosphere Reserve and planning of eco-tourism activities. The first home pension was opened at 2002 and their number increased to 16. Occupancy rate was 6% at 2006 but it became 12% in 2009. Income rate can be increased according to current occupancy rate. As an example, income in 2009 was 350.000 Turkish Liras while it was 310.000 Turkish Liras in 2008. In addition, economical activities especially beekeeping, corn and hazelnut production has increased and such activities have positive impact on household income. People living in the region are generally grateful for the establishment of the biosphere reserve and eco-tourism center in their region because of positive changes in their income as a result of GEF II project. However, some concerns were also defined by local people and tourists because of unplanned urbanization, new road constructions and hydroelectrical power constructions in the region.Results and observations on field show that income can be increased without giving damage to natural and cultural structure with well developed and efficiently implemented management plans and as soon as people are supported with different technical methods and information. If income increases depending on visitors due to eco-tourism, immigration will be reversed and natural and human resources will be used sustainably. Thus, possible increasing incomes of rural area, especially forest villages should be considered.