Uzungöl is a volcanic lake in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. It has unique natural view and plenty of attractions as recreational areas and is visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Increasing recreational activities led to local developments, such as hotels, restaurants and fish farms directed towards the needs of the visitors. As a result of the increasing human activities in the vicinity of this small lake, environmental degradation has become visible. In addition, soil erosion around the lake is causing excessive sediment accumulation and diminishing the lake volume.

The main aims of this project are to analyse the present environmental situation in the immediate vicinity of the lake and to save the natural ecological structure. In order to materialise these aims; i) protection of the lake and its vicinity, and ii) development of sustainable eco-tourism have been considered as the principle targets.