Eco-tourism is a nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community. Ecotourism increases awareness towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural environment and cultural assets both among locals and the visitors and requires special management processes to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem (UNWTO).

The fact that İstanbul has a rich flora and fauna has created an added value especially in terms of eco-tourism. Many towns of İstanbul have resources that can be evaluated for the development of eco-tourism. Şile, Çatalca and Beykoz are the first towns coming to mind in eco-tourism.

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/epdf/10.18111/9789284420858