Journal of Environmental Biology

The phytogeography and ecotourism potential of the eastern

province of lower part of the “Köprü river” basin

 

Author Details

 

Bastürk Kaya

(Corresponding author)

Biology Education Department, Faculty of Education, Selçuk University, 42090, Konya, Turkey

e-mail: basturk@selcuk.edu.tr

Ayhan Akis

Geography Education Department, Faculty of Education, Selçuk University, 42090, Konya, Turkey

 

 

Publication Data

Paper received:

16 September 2010

 

Revised received:

02 July 2011

 

Accepted:

30 July 2011

 

Abstract

Köprü River Basin is located in the western Taurus mountains in south-western Turkey. The area is in the Mediterranean phytogeographical region. The climate in the area is typically Mediterranean: mild and rainy in winter, hot and dry in summer. Xerophytic plants can easily grow in this climate. Pinus brutia forests are common in the study area. Maquis and garique elements with sclerophyll character also occur in the region. The study aims to determine the distribution of the vegetation in the eastern province of lower part of the “Köprü River” Basin. The factors which affect the distribution of vegetation are climate, landforms and soils. In order to determine the plant growth and climate relationship, the climatic data were analyzed. As well as the geological and geomorphological conditions, the soils were investigated and the effects of these factors on vegetation cover were analyzed. The region also has various attributes for the development of ecotourism, including canyons, forests and historical places.  The region has a great potential for many different social, cultural, and scientific activities related to ecotourism. These are highland tourism, rafting, botanic tourism, trekking, and climbing. In order to make ecotourism available for local people to benefit, ecotourism should be developed and introduced to the world. Moreover, plans for the sustainability of the resources should be made. The study highlights the ecotourism potential of the area which is of social, economic, and ecological importance for the region.

 

Key words

Köprü  river basin, Phytogeography, Mediterranean region, Ecotourism

 

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