Ecological Impact Assessment and Analysis of Camili (Macahel) Biosphere Reserve Area (Artvin, NE, Turkey)

Emre Özşahin¹ and Çağlar Kıvanç Kaymaz²

¹University of Namık Kemal, Kampus of Değirmenaltı Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Geography, 59030 Tekirdağ – Turkey

²University of Atatürk, Faculty of Art, Department of Geography, Erzurum-TURKEY

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail address: ozsahine@hotmail.com;  

uzmanemreozsahin@gmail.com.tr;  Tel: +90 326 245 58 67 – 1110;

Fax: +90 326 245 58 66

Accepted 16 September, 2013

Abstract

Current study assessed and analyzed the elements that could cause ecological impact in Camili (Macahel), the first and only biosphere reserve area in Turkey and their possible effects. The ecological character of the biosphere reserve area was identified and assessment was provided for appropriate planning to preserve and maintain sustainability of resources. In this process, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing method and techniques were used. The result of analysis was used to generate the ecological map of the biosphere reserve area. According to assessment; natural disasters, construction of a hydroelectric plant, road construction, tourism activities and tourist pressure were found to be the main ecological impact factors in Camili (Macahel) biosphere reserve area. Results of analysis show that the reserve area mostly contains nonimpact areas (15172 ha - 60%). The areas with the highest risk correspond to the settlements in the center of the biosphere reserve area.

Keywords: Ecological Impact, Geographical Information Systems (CIS), Ecological Impact Analysis, Ecological Impact Assessment, Biosphere Reserve Area, Camili (Macahel).