The ECO Trails project, which aimed to establish and promote long-distance hiking and cycling routes in Köyceğiz-Ortaca-Dalaman region connecting the ancient Caria to Lycia, started officially on 22nd October 2015. Dalyan Tourism, Culture & Nature Conservation Society (Dalyan Dernek) made the initiative and received government funding from South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA). Further support came from the local municipalities, chamber of commerce, city councils and societies and groups specializing in environment, tourism, hiking and cycling, and the project was completed on 23rd April 2018 following a 30-month action plan.

Objectives

Nature conservation and eco-tourism are the two key objectives in the project; promoting local values in a sustainable way, developing infrastructure for outdoor and nature tourism, creating opportunities at rural areas and eventually spreading the tourism activities to spring and autumn are other goals.