Tourist Activities-Disturbance Factors of Natural Environment in Ciucas Massif

This study outlines how tourism activities can disturb the natural environment in Ciucas Massif. Methods used are based on bibliographic research and GIS analysis of morphometric features. Results show that, the Ciucas Massif, as one of the most important mountain in central Romania, is made of conglomerates, which lend specific features to topography. Having several natural sights (The Old Ladies Council, The Sphinx of Bratocea, Zaganului Ridge) this massif is declared a protected natural area. The geomorphologic processes: compactions, mudflows, the deepening of tourist paths, rills and gully erosion have a negative impact on the landscape and even on the entire environment, causing erosion and loss of soil and vegetation. Also, the increased number of tourist accommodation facilities and 21 marked tourist trails have resulted in shrinking of forest areas, hayfields and pastures. These numerous changes which occur in this mountain area, lead, in time, to radical, irreversible changes and can affect the local economic development.