Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Courts Beijing Amid Renewed Market Access in China
  • Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Forces Evacuation of Tourists from Blue Lagoon as Lava Approaches Grindavik
  • Humanity Faces Significant Losses, Says Spokesperson
  • Gun Seller Backed by Donald Trump Jr. Launches Stock Trading
  • Lightning Strike in New Jersey Leaves 1 Dead, 13 Injured
  • Used EV Batteries Poised to Power AI Growth
  • UK Inflation Data Reveals Key Trends for June
  • Hijacked Small Plane Grounds Flights at Vancouver International Airport
  • Experts Warn of Vulnerabilities in Federal E-Verify System Following Workplace Raids
  • Trial Commences Over Alleged Facebook Privacy Violations Involving CEO and Others
  • Controversy Surrounds Franco-Israeli Singer Amir at Francofolies de Spa Festival
  • Newsom Criticizes Trump’s National Guard Move, Urges Maturity
  • Potential Consequences of Trump’s Dismissal of Fed Chair Powell
  • Prince Harry Honors Diana’s Legacy by Advocating Against Landmines in Angola
  • Tsunami Warning Lowered to Advisory Following 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake near Alaska
  • Goldman Sachs Reports Q2 2025 Earnings Results
  • Rubio Calls Israeli Strike on Damascus a ‘Misunderstanding’ Amid Peace Efforts
  • Complete Skeleton of Medieval Knight Discovered Beneath Former Ice Cream Parlor in Poland
  • James Gunn Discusses “Superman”: Release Date, Character’s Immigrant Story, and Themes of Kindness
  • Assembly Discusses Olive Grove; Tanal’s Brief Action Sparks Varank’s Controversial Remarks
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Friday, July 25
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
Expert warns of worsening water crisis in Turkey

Expert warns of worsening water crisis in Turkey

Serdar ImrenBy Serdar ImrenFebruary 19, 2025 Turkey Reports 6 Mins Read

Concerns over water scarcity in Turkey have escalated, with significant implications for biodiversity and agriculture. According to Dr. Erol Kesici, a scientific advisor to the Turkish Association for the Conservation of Nature (TTKD), the country has seen alarming losses in its wetland areas. In the past 50 years, nearly two Marmara Seas’ worth of wetlands have been lost due to a variety of factors, prompting warnings about the potential for chronic freshwater shortages among the population. The situation reflects a broader global crisis, where access to clean water remains a fundamental issue, affecting billions globally.

Article Subheadings
1) Current State of Water Scarcity in Turkey
2) Impact on Biodiversity and Wetland Loss
3) The Role of Climate Change and Human Activity
4) Importance of Scientific Water Management
5) Future Implications and Recommendations

Current State of Water Scarcity in Turkey

Turkey is experiencing a severe water crisis that has reached critical levels, primarily highlighted by Dr. Erol Kesici‘s recent declarations. Access to clean drinking water, recognized as a fundamental human right, is becoming increasingly precarious. Currently, approximately 1.2 billion individuals around the globe lack access to clean water, and projections suggest this figure could worsen; by the year 2050, one in four people may reside in areas facing chronic water shortages.

The root causes of this crisis encompass a myriad of factors including excessive water extraction, pollution, and inadequate management of water resources, which have collectively exacerbated the situation across Turkey’s numerous regions. Dr. Kesici‘s statements reflect a dire need for re-evaluation of how water resources are allocated and managed, underlining the urgency of implementing sufficient measures to address these critical water deficits.

Impact on Biodiversity and Wetland Loss

The loss of wetlands, which act as essential ecosystems for multiple species and serve as natural buffers against environmental changes, is a grave concern. According to Dr. Kesici, Turkey has lost almost half of its protected wetlands over the last few decades, with significant areas disappearing due to land encroachments, political decisions, mismanagement, and human-induced pressures. Critical habitats such as the Sultansazlığı wetlands are now suffering from extensive drying and pollution.

Moreover, other regions such as Seyfe and Mejke Crater Lake have experienced complete desiccation. Studies show that the Manyas, Burdur, and Uluabat lakes, along with the Göksu, Kızılırmak, and Gediz deltas, and the Akyatan and Yumurtalık lagoons, also face alarming levels of drought and pollution. The loss of these natural resources not only threatens biodiversity but also has adverse effects on local economies reliant on agriculture and tourism.

The Role of Climate Change and Human Activity

Drought, particularly exacerbated by climate change, is a pivotal factor driving the current water crisis in Turkey. Dr. Kesici articulates that nearly 80% of Turkey’s water resources are being utilized without thorough assessments of water balance, thus resulting in unsustainable extraction practices. The drying of many wetland areas has been further intensified by the mismanagement of agricultural water use practices, causing declines in both surface and groundwater levels.

Further compounding the crisis is the impact of anthropogenic activities including over-drilling, mining, and expanding tourism projects that have worn down natural reserves. The Mediterranean region, regarded for its extensive water resources, has witnessed a rapid decrease in vital wetlands, primarily due to mismanagement and a growing emphasis on agricultural irrigation, which has added pressure on already over-exploited systems.

Importance of Scientific Water Management

To confront the escalating crisis, Dr. Kesici advocates for a radical restructuring of Turkey’s outdated water-agriculture policies. He emphasizes the necessity to base these policies on modern scientific principles to ensure effective management of the country’s scarce water resources. Continuous monitoring and maintenance of annual water budgets in wetlands will be crucial to sustain these vital ecosystems and the services they provide.

Moreover, Dr. Kesici highlights that education regarding scientific agricultural practices will play a crucial role in mitigating water scarcity. His stance underscores the urgency to realign urban planning and industrial practices in accordance with water availability and climatic conditions. By implementing efficient irrigation techniques and policies that prioritize resource management, Turkey may better address its current water scarcity issues.

Future Implications and Recommendations

The predicted trajectory of Turkey’s water crisis suggests continued challenges in food production, access to potable water, health issues, and increased incidence of forest fires if current management practices remain unchanged. Dr. Kesici warns that without immediate and substantial actions, problems associated with water scarcity are likely to persist beyond 2025, regardless of precipitation levels.

In conclusion, Dr. Kesici stresses that simply waiting for rain is not a viable solution to combat water scarcity. A comprehensive approach, integrating scientific tools, responsible management, and conservation strategies, is essential. The implications of ignoring these issues could lead to severe socio-economic impacts, further ecological degradation, and a potential public health crisis. Addressing water scarcity effectively requires a collaborative approach involving government bodies, non-profit organizations, and the local populace.

No. Key Points
1 Turkey has lost nearly two Marmara Seas worth of wetlands in the past 50 years.
2 1.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water globally.
3 Drought and mismanagement of water resources contribute to ecological damage in Turkey.
4 Immediate restructuring of water policies based on scientific principles is necessary.
5 A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is essential to combat water scarcity.

Summary

The assertions made by Dr. Erol Kesici regarding the water crisis in Turkey underline a significant challenge that combines ecological, agricultural, and social issues. The loss of wetlands and rising scarcity of freshwater highlight an urgent need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of water management strategies. As these problems escalate, it is clear that effective solutions will require the collaboration of various sectors to safeguard Turkey’s water resources while promoting sustainable practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the main cause of water scarcity in Turkey?

The main causes of water scarcity in Turkey include excessive water extraction, mismanagement of water resources, pollution, and the impact of climate change.

Question: How has the loss of wetlands affected Turkey’s environment?

The loss of wetlands has significantly impacted biodiversity, disrupted ecosystems, and increased pollution while amplifying the adverse effects of drought and water scarcity across the region.

Question: What measures are suggested to improve water management in Turkey?

Suggested measures include restructuring outdated water-agriculture policies based on scientific principles, implementing effective irrigation techniques, and promoting collaborative approaches among various stakeholders.

crisis Critical Issues in Turkey Democracy in Turkey Domestic Affairs Turkey Economic Policy Turkey Expert Government Policies Turkey Legislative Updates Turkey Media and Politics Turkey National Security Turkey Political Developments Turkey Political Reforms Turkey Regional Impact Turkey Social Issues Turkey Turkey Turkey’s Strategic Developments Turkish Diplomacy Turkish Elections Turkish Foreign Relations Turkish Leadership Turkish Legal Affairs Turkish Politics Turkish Public Policy warns water worsening
Serdar Imren
  • Website

Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.

Keep Reading

Turkey Reports

Humanity Faces Significant Losses, Says Spokesperson

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Assembly Discusses Olive Grove; Tanal’s Brief Action Sparks Varank’s Controversial Remarks

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Mothers Reflect on PKK Weapon-Burning Ceremony: A Call for Peace

7 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Özgür Özel Warns of Dream Disturbance: “A Nightmare Awaits”

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

İmamoğlu Receives 1-Year, 7-Month Prison Sentence for Remarks Against Chief Prosecutor

7 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Prosecutor Tensions Emerge in Imamoglu Case Amid Controversy Over Evidence Access

5 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.