Datça-Bozburun Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) is one of the priority sites in Turkey owing to the biological diversity it hosts. Within this KBA, rare and threatened Mediterranean forest ecosystems are found such as oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) forests, Mediterranean maquis and Datça date palm (Phoenix theophrasti) groups. However, limited information is present on the distribution of these ecosystems and the specific threats on these areas. In order to conserve and improve these forest ecosystems, priority sites for conservation should be determined and specific conservation measures and applications should be defined. Then, by integrating the outcomes into the plans and management schemes of the responsible government organizations, a major step would be taken for the continuity and conservation of the priority forest ecosystems in Datça-Bozburun KBA.

General Directorate of Forestry (GDF) is the responsible organization for the management of forests in Turkey. GDF prepares forest management plans for its regional directorates every 10 years. The management plan of the forest area, including the Datça-Bozburun KBA, is being renewed in 2012-2013 period. Our project is going to determine the priority forest ecosystems for conservation and develop conservation measures. By integration of the outcomes of the project into the new forest management plans, a firm conservation structure would be established, which will help to decrease and stop land destruction, habitat loss and disturbance of the species dependent on these rare forest ecosystems. This study will also serve as an example in conservation oriented management of other forest ecosystems in Turkey.