Kalkan nestles on the coast of the Teke peninsula, in the south west corner of Anatolian Turkey.

It is an area of outstanding beauty, with an abundance of amazing landscapes.

For many of us, who have been there on day trips, or perhaps walking on the Lycian Way, it stands out as a jewel on the Turquoise Coast.

However, we suspect many KTLN readers may be unaware just how special this place is.

And did you know that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has been active in this area for several years, preparing the way for a marine management programme, which will protect the environment for future generations?

Below: A loggerhead turtle.

Another question for you: there are 15 specially protected areas on the Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Guess which area comes top of the list in terms of marine bio-diversity.

Yes, it's the sea around Kekova that is the richest, in terms of marine life - a place that is right on our doorstep.

WWF in Kekova/Kaş
Kalkan Turkish Local News has been speaking to Umut Tural, the WWF man on the ground, (and sometimes in the water), in Kekova/Kaş.

But being 'specially protected' is fine on a piece of paper, but it only means something when someone actually manages the environment, and takes steps to protect it.

From research to planning
The WWF have been busy over recent years, undertaking research to find out more about local eco-systems, and the threats that exist to their sustainability. All this research is a pre-requisite to developing a plan to protect the environment, and then seeing that plan put into effect.

They will be sharing their vision of the future wth local boatmen, fishermen, divers, hoteliers, and other interested parties. They have the backing of the government, at national, regional, and local levels. Anyone who is particularly interested to know more can come along.

These meetings will be followed up with smaller focus groups, for various interest groups, where views can be exchanged, and hopefully buy in to the plan can be secured.

Threats need to be managed
But Umut is aware that there will be challenges in getting a plan acccepted and implemented. The biggest threats come from over-fishing, damage caused by tourist boats, and in some places, sewage discharges.

Action to minimise these threats, to animals such as the Mediterranean monk seal (pictured right), will have an impact on businesses.

For example, there will be new zones where fishing is not allowed, or where day trip boats are prohibited.

Umut is confident that it is possible to change attitudes. He says that where these plans have been implemented elsewhere, the number of visitors to these specially protected areas has actually gone up.

"People need to think more about the long term, and a way of working wth the environment, so that it can be protected for future generations", he said.

Umut expects that a draft marine action plan will be in place by the end of this summer. KTLN will bring you further updates.

But for now, it is good to know that the WWF, with the backing of the Turkish government, is serious about looking after the environment that is around us. We wish the project every success.

If you want to read more about the work of the WWF in our area, take a look at the following links:

www.medpan.org

Marine Protected Area - Kekova - Kaş

Marine Protected Area - Patara