An assessment of Turkish deltaic landscapes regarding environmental conservation and sustainable management--a case study of the Kizilirmak Delta

Deltas, as macro and micro biological systems at high productive levels, are the natural reserve areas of the world. Those in Turkey present the international importance landscapes as to the various ecosystem characteristics and land use patterns. Nevertheless, these areas are currently facing many problems such as biodiversity loss and environmental degradation owing to coastal settlements and pollution factors. This paper describes the factors responsible for the main features and degradation types of the Deltaic landscapes and their impact for future land use. It also deals with : an overview of the Kizilirmak Delta, one of the most important Deltas along the central part of Black Sea Region (Turkey); presents major ecosystem of it; identifies land use pattern and discusses the threats by environmental and human induced disturbances. The most considering feature of this Delta is to show the largest and most significant wetland area of Turkey which has been able to protect its natural beauties on the Black Sea Coasts. A Delta plain of 56000 hectares extends through the area at the north of the Samsun-Sinop highway. The ecological system of the Delta is extremely rich in terms of its biological variety as well as its fauna (especially number of bird species). But, the Delta including terrestrial areas close to the water resources and the vegetation between aquatic and terrestrial systems, has been constantly modified by human activities. Consequently, some considerations for environmental conservation and sustainable management were put forward for the future generations.     

Evaluating the seasonal changes of water quality of the Değirmendere and Galyan Rivers (Trabzon, Turkey)

The De?irmendere and Galyan (De?irmendere tributary) Rivers that discharge their water into the Black Sea are important watersheds in the northeastern part of Turkey. Water quality parameters were sampled from 1997 through 2001 for each year at five sites (three for Galyan, two for Degirmendere) along 29 and 42 km gradients, respectively covering all seasons. Surface water was collected from the sites and analyzed for temperature, total alkaline (MAAL), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), total hardness (TH), phenolphthalein alkalinities (PAL) and organic matter (PV). Seasonal changes of water quality were analyzed statistically for both Rivers and evaluated according to the TS 266, EU and WHO standards. The analysis of variance results showed that Ca, Mg, MAL, NO3, pH, TDS and TH parameters of the De?irmendere River and Ca, DO, EC, MAL, NO3, pH and TH parameters of the Galyan River showed seasonal differences (p<0.05). The maximum values of the water pollution parameters for the two Rivers were below the threshold values throughout the study period. When both Rivers were compared, the mean values of the pollution parameters of the Degirmendere River were higher than those of the Galyan River and very close the limits. The results indicate that both Rivers can be used for the production of potable water during all seasons but only with an advanced treatment in the De?irmendere and a moderate treatment in the Galyan River, and for indirect and non-contact recreational activities.     

Tourism,an ecological approach in protected areas: Karagöl-Sahara National Park,Turkey

Protected areas are important potential areas from the point of view of ecological tourism because of their natural, historical and cultural richness. In this study, the environmental sustainability of protected areas has been investigated within a sample of the Karagöl-Sahara National Park in Turkey. This national park has, so far, had little exposure to recreational and tourism activities. However, an increase in the number of tourists visiting the park has been observed as a result of the demands of ecological tourism. This area was investigated with respect to ecological planning to prevent intensive usage from causing future damage, as a result of human thoughtlessness, and to protect the park. Additionally, the aim was to determine the usage potential using ecological planning and to propose variations of ecotourism thought to be helpful for the public. The Karagöl-Sahara National Park has valuable natural and cultural resources, and is an area whose recreation-tourism potential has been strongly protected. The national park also has major economic potential for ecotourism.     

Can education lower the environmental degradation? Bootstrap panel Granger causality analysis for emerging countries

Environment, Development and Sustainability - Environmental degradation, which became evident after the Industrial Revolution, is one of the most important problems to be solved in the twenty-first...