**2. Protected areas in Turkey**

In terms of biodiversity, Turkey is one of the richest countries in Europe and the Middle East, and ranks the ninth on the European Continent in this respect. There are a number of different ecological regions each with its own endemic species and natural ecosystems. The richness of biodiversity in Turkey is expressed in its 120 mammals, more than 400 bird species, 130 reptiles, and nearly 500 fish species. The diversity of the geographic formations of Turkey and its location at the intersection of two important Vavilovian gene centers (the Mediterranean and the Near Eastern) are the reasons for high endemism and genetic diversity (Ministry of Environment, 2002).

There have been various types of habitats formed in the earth since the beginning of the world and existence of the living beings. Human beings, animals, plants and microorganisms have been surviving in the ecosystems together for many years together with the non-living beings, like water, air, soil, rock and climatologically factors. However, due to technological developments starting from 1960's, there have been significant adverse impacts on the nature. Man can survive less dependent on the surrounding factors and has the ability to easily change the environmental factors with his technological power. The ecological balances have been greatly degraded due to increase in populations and rapidly developing technologies. In this regard, Turkey is relatively lucky when compared to the most of the countries in Europe and America. In Turkey, there are still number of ecosystems where natural balance has not been completely degraded and we still have a rich biodiversity throughout Turkey.

Turkey is home to 75% of the plant species that exist on the European continent, and one third of these species are endemic plants. The rich flora of Turkey includes more than 9,000 plant species and more than 500 bulbous plants. This flora, with a high endemism ratio, is also rich in medicinal and aromatic plants (Ministry of Environment, 2002). Most of the endemic plant species are found in the Taurus Mountains, the Nur Mountains and the Eastern Black Sea Coast (Ministry of Environment, 2001).

Located on the migration routes of many birds, Turkey is a key country for many bird species. 454 bird species have been sited. Several of its species are globally under threat (Ministry of Environment, 2002). Turkish wetlands are of crucial importance for many breeding species of birds.

Protected Areas 9

**Conservation Status Number Related Law** 

**Conservation forest 57** Law on Forest **Genetic conservation areas 214** Law on Forest **Seed stands 339** Law on Forest

**Specially protected areas (SPAs) 14** Law on Environment

**Ramsar sites 13** Ramsar Convention

Table 1. Protected areas which identified by the Ministry of Forest and Water.

**Natural sites 947** Law on Conservation of Cultural And

**Biosphere Reserve 1** Law on National Parks -Law on Forest

**Conservation Staus Number Archaeological Site** 4,920 **Natural Site** 787 **Urban Archaeological Site** 182 **Historical Site** 121 **Other Sites** 371 **Total Number** 6,381

Table 2. Protected areas (especially cultural areas) which identified by the Ministry of Forest

A national park refers to an plot of land set aside by a national government and usually designated as an area free of development. Often, national parks include pristine wilderness areas or other pieces of environmental heritage which the nation has deemed worthy of preservation. In the United States, national parks also include historic areas and monuments

and Water.

*National Parks* 

to scientific achievement.

Natural Heritage

By-law on Conservation of Wetlands

**National park 41** Law on National Parks **Nature conservation area 31** Law on National Parks **Natural monument 106** Law on National Parks **Nature park 41** Law on National Parks **Wild life reserve areas 79** Law on Terrestrial Hunting

There are 472 fish species in Turkey and 50 of these are at risk of extinction. Some 192 freshwater fish species belonging to 26 different families have been identified (Ministry of Environment,2002).

Approximately 3,000 plant and animal species have been identified in Turkey's seas (Ministry of Environment, 2001). There are about 20 species of mammals including the Mediterranean monk seal, whales and dolphins with mostly decreasing populations. The Turkish Straits and the Sea of Marmara form a special ecosystem (an ecotone) between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The Aegean Sea is especially important for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (*Monachus monachus*), which is considered to be one of the 12 most endangered species in the world. Less than 50 specimens inhabit the coasts of Turkey (Ministry of Environment, 2001). The Aegean Sea and its islands contain numerous microhabitats (*Posidonia oceanica* and *Cystoseira species*) that play an important role in the sustainability of the ecosystem (Ministry of Environment, 2002).

Turkey has accepted the Action Plan (1989 and 1999) for the conservation of Mediterranean marine turtles within the framework of the Barcelona Convention. Several breeding habitats of marine turtles, including Dalyan, Fethiye, Patara, Goksu Delta, and Belek, were declared as Specially Protected Areas in 1988 and 1990. The Ministry of Environment established the Marine Turtles National Commission and the Marine Turtles Scientific Commission for the coordination of activities towards the protection of the two species. Turkey also accepted the action plan for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, again developed in the framework of the Barcelona Convention (Ministry of Environment, 2002). In this context, Turkey has signed many international conventions and agreements.

In this context, Turkey has signed many international conventions. These conventions are;

International Conventions and Protocols on Nature Protection Ratified by Turkey


Depending on these conventions, by 2011, nearly 1800 sites had been identified by the Ministry of Forest and Water as warranted protection under the 1983 law (Table 1), by 2003, nearly 6 400 sites had been identified by the Ministry of Culture as warranted protection under the 1983 law (Table 2).

There are 472 fish species in Turkey and 50 of these are at risk of extinction. Some 192 freshwater fish species belonging to 26 different families have been identified (Ministry of

Approximately 3,000 plant and animal species have been identified in Turkey's seas (Ministry of Environment, 2001). There are about 20 species of mammals including the Mediterranean monk seal, whales and dolphins with mostly decreasing populations. The Turkish Straits and the Sea of Marmara form a special ecosystem (an ecotone) between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The Aegean Sea is especially important for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (*Monachus monachus*), which is considered to be one of the 12 most endangered species in the world. Less than 50 specimens inhabit the coasts of Turkey (Ministry of Environment, 2001). The Aegean Sea and its islands contain numerous microhabitats (*Posidonia oceanica* and *Cystoseira species*) that play an important role in the

Turkey has accepted the Action Plan (1989 and 1999) for the conservation of Mediterranean marine turtles within the framework of the Barcelona Convention. Several breeding habitats of marine turtles, including Dalyan, Fethiye, Patara, Goksu Delta, and Belek, were declared as Specially Protected Areas in 1988 and 1990. The Ministry of Environment established the Marine Turtles National Commission and the Marine Turtles Scientific Commission for the coordination of activities towards the protection of the two species. Turkey also accepted the action plan for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, again developed in the framework of the Barcelona Convention (Ministry of Environment, 2002). In this context, Turkey has signed many international conventions

In this context, Turkey has signed many international conventions. These conventions are;

Depending on these conventions, by 2011, nearly 1800 sites had been identified by the Ministry of Forest and Water as warranted protection under the 1983 law (Table 1), by 2003, nearly 6 400 sites had been identified by the Ministry of Culture as warranted protection

International Conventions and Protocols on Nature Protection Ratified by Turkey

Convention on Biodiversity Conservation (Rio Convention) (1997)

Protection of Cultural and National Heritage (1983)

 Convention on Combating Erosion (1998) European Landscape Convention (2000)

sustainability of the ecosystem (Ministry of Environment, 2002).

Environment,2002).

and agreements.

CITES (1996)

Cartagena Protocol (2004)

 Bern Convention(1984) Ramsar Convention (1994) Kyoto Protocol (2009)

under the 1983 law (Table 2).

 Barcelona Convention (1988) Bucharest Convention (1994)


Table 1. Protected areas which identified by the Ministry of Forest and Water.


Table 2. Protected areas (especially cultural areas) which identified by the Ministry of Forest and Water.

#### *National Parks*

A national park refers to an plot of land set aside by a national government and usually designated as an area free of development. Often, national parks include pristine wilderness areas or other pieces of environmental heritage which the nation has deemed worthy of preservation. In the United States, national parks also include historic areas and monuments to scientific achievement.

Protected Areas 11

The first national park in Turkey was established in 1958 (*The Yozgat Pine Grove National Park)* (Figure 3). Some of these parks, which were initially established for archaeological and historical purposes, are at the same time rich habitats where biological diversity is being

Fig. 3. The Yozgat Pine Grove National Park, Turkey (www.milliparklar.gov.tr).

National Parks are defined as recreation and tourism areas which are rare in terms of scientific and scenic perspective in nature and are important for the conservation of the

Fig. 2. National parks in Turkey.

protected.

Prepared by the IUCN classification of protected areas, national parks are in Categories 2. Definition of this category is below;

*'Natural area of land and/or sea, designated to (a) protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, (b) exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which must be environmentally and culturally compatible.* 

*Management Objectives of This Category* 


#### *Guidance for Selection*


National parks are natural areas that provide transcendental, adventure and educational experiences. One management goal, however, is to take into account the needs of indigenous people. In this way, parks serve multiple constituencies that have sometimes been at loggerheads (Weeks and Mehta, 2004).

National Parks Law in Turkey, scientific and aesthetic terms, national and international rare, natural and cultural resource values and conservation, recreation and tourism will have the values of nature.

The purpose of this Law is specified as the "identification of areas which possess values of national and international importance, as national park, nature park, nature monument, and nature protection area, and the protection, enhancement and management of these areas without degrading their values and characteristics" There are 43 national parks in Turkey (Figure 2)

Prepared by the IUCN classification of protected areas, national parks are in Categories 2.

*'Natural area of land and/or sea, designated to (a) protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations, (b) exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area and (c) provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities, all of which must be environmentally and culturally* 

To protect natural and scenic areas of national and international significance for

 To perpetuate, in as natural a state as possible, representative examples of physiographic regions, biotic communities, genetic resources, and species, to provide

To manage visitor use for inspirational, educational, cultural and recreational purposes

To eliminate and thereafter prevent exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes

To maintain respect for the ecological, geomorphological, sacred o aesthetic attributes

 To take into account the needs of indigenous people, including subsistence resource use, in so far as these will not adversely affect the other objectives of management.

 The area should contain a representative sample of major natural regions, features or scenery, where plant and animal species, habitats and geomorphological sites are of special spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and touristic

The area should be large enough to contain one or more entire ecosystems materially

National parks are natural areas that provide transcendental, adventure and educational experiences. One management goal, however, is to take into account the needs of indigenous people. In this way, parks serve multiple constituencies that have sometimes

National Parks Law in Turkey, scientific and aesthetic terms, national and international rare, natural and cultural resource values and conservation, recreation and tourism will have the

The purpose of this Law is specified as the "identification of areas which possess values of national and international importance, as national park, nature park, nature monument, and nature protection area, and the protection, enhancement and management of these areas without degrading their values and characteristics" There are 43 national parks in Turkey

spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational or tourist purposes

at a level which will maintain the area in a natural or near natural state

Definition of this category is below;

*Management Objectives of This Category* 

ecological stability and diversity;

which warranted designation; and

been at loggerheads (Weeks and Mehta, 2004).

altered by current human occupation or exploitation.

of designation;

*Guidance for Selection* 

significance

values of nature.

(Figure 2)

*compatible.* 

Fig. 2. National parks in Turkey.

The first national park in Turkey was established in 1958 (*The Yozgat Pine Grove National Park)* (Figure 3). Some of these parks, which were initially established for archaeological and historical purposes, are at the same time rich habitats where biological diversity is being protected.

Fig. 3. The Yozgat Pine Grove National Park, Turkey (www.milliparklar.gov.tr).

National Parks are defined as recreation and tourism areas which are rare in terms of scientific and scenic perspective in nature and are important for the conservation of the

Protected Areas 13

**Nemrut Mountain National Park** 13850 1988 Historical open air museum,

**Kazdağlar National Park** 21463 1993 Flora, fauna, biodiversity,

**Altnbeşik Cavern National Park** 1156 1994 Geological and

**Karagöl – Sahara National Park** 3766 1994 Hydrographic structure,

**Aladağlar National Park** 54 524 1995 Landscape, waterfall **Honaz Mountain National Park** 9616 1995 Geological and

**Troya Historical National Park** 13350 1996 Geomorphologic value,

**Marmaris National Park** 33350 1996 Geomorphologic value, flora

**Saklkent National Park** 12390 1996 Flora, fauna, hydrological

**National Park** 22980 2004 Historical value, fauna **Ağr Mountain National Park** 87 380 2004 Geomorphologic value **Gala Lake National Park** 6090 2005 Wetland and forest

**Sultan Sazlğ National Park** 24523 2006 Wetland ecosystem, bird

**Tek Tek Mountain National Park** 19335 2007 Geomorphologic and

**Yumurtalk Lagoon National Park** 16 430 2008 Lagoon, swamp, sand dune **Nenehatun National Park** 387 2009 Historical value

**Beyşehir Lake National Park** 88750 1993

**Kaçkar Mountain National Park** 51550 1994

**Hattila Valley National Park** 16988 1994

**Küre Mountain National Park** 37000 2000

**Park** 3155 2007

**Sarkamş-Allahuekber Mountain** 

**İğneada Longos Forest National** 

Table 3. National Parks in Turkey.

landscape

Historical residual, geomorphologic value, wetlands, fauna especially bird species

Geological and geomorphologic value, flora and fauna

Geological and geomorphologic value, flora and fauna

geomorphologic value

vegetation

geomorphologic value, flora

historical residual

and fauna

geomorphologic value

Natural forest, biodiversity, geological and geomorphologic value

ecosystem, bird species

species

historical value, fauna

Wetland and alluvial forest ecosystem, lagoon, flora, fauna

natural and cultural resource values (Yücel, 1995). These areas are in different regions of Turkey and were assigned as national parks at various dates and with various purposes; they are now under protective control and are kept open for public use (Güçlü and Karahan, 2008).

Some information and resource values of these national parks are given below (Table 1).


natural and cultural resource values (Yücel, 1995). These areas are in different regions of Turkey and were assigned as national parks at various dates and with various purposes; they are now under protective control and are kept open for public use (Güçlü and Karahan,

Some information and resource values of these national parks are given below (Table 1).

**Park** 264 1958 Natural *Pinus sp.* (residual

**Karatepe Aslantaş National Park** 7715 1958 Flora, visual landscape,

**Bird Paradise National Park** 24047 1959 Fauna, especially bird species **Uludağ National Park** 12372 1961 Flora and fauna

**Park** 2019 1965 Lakes, flora, recreation **Dilek Peninsula National Park** 27675 1966 Flora, fauna, wetlands

**Kzldağ National Park** 59400 1969 Geological value, flora **Termessos National Park** 6702 1970 Ancient city, geological value,

**Kovada Lake National Park** 6534 1970 Geological value, flora,

**Ilgaz Mountain National Park** 1088 1976 Flora, winter sports, alpine

**Olympos National Park** 34425 1972 Archeological residual, flora

**National Park** 33000 1973 Historical war, geological and

**Park** 40742 1981 Cultural and geological value

**Köprülü Canyon National Park** 36614 1973 Archeological residual,

**Göreme Historical National Park** 9572 1986 Historical settlement,

**Altndere Valley National Park** 4800 1987 Cultural value, landscape,

**National Park** 2634 1988 Archeological residual

**Munzur Valley National Park** 42000 1971 Streams, flora, fauna,

**(ha) Date Resource Value** 

forest)

historical value

Geological and geomorphologic value, thermal water

Geological value, flora, historic and mythological value

biodiversity

karstic lake

flora

geomorphologic value

geomorphologic value

geological value

geomorphologic value

**National Park Area** 

**Soğuksu National Park** 1195 1959

**Spil Mountain National Park** 6693,5 1968

**The Yozgat Pine Grove National** 

**Yedigöller (Sevenlakes) National** 

**Gelibolu Peninsula Historical** 

**Başkomutan Historical National** 

**Boğazköy-Alacahöyük Historical** 

2008).


Table 3. National Parks in Turkey.

Protected Areas 15

There are five lakes in the area. Lake Erikli Lagoon (43 ha) is adjacent to the northern part of I gneada subdistrict, which is not linked with the sea during the summer period. Lake Mert (266 ha) is located at the southern part of the subdistrict, where the stream reaches the Black Sea. Lake Saka, which is the smallest (5 ha), is at the southernmost part of the study area between the forest and sand. Lake Hamam (19 ha) and Lake Pedina (10 ha) are located in the inner part. The coastal dunes and the longos forests of Igneada constitute the most sensitive ecosystem in the study area. Most of the known endemic plants (*Silene sangaria, Crepis macropus, Centaurea kilaea*) in Igneada and its vicinity are found in the coastal dunes; other species found here, though not endemics, are of national and international concern (*Aurinia uechtritziana, Cakile maritima, Cionura erecta, Crambe maritima, Cyperus capitatus, Elymus elongatus subsp. elongatu, Eryngium maritimum, Euphorbia peplis, Eu. paralias, Jurinea kilae, Leymus racemosus, Otanthus maritimus, Pancratimum maritimum, Peucedanum obtusifolium,* 

*Stachys maritima*) (Figure 5-10) (Özyavuz and Yazgan, 2010).

Fig. 5. *Cianura erecta.*

Fig. 6. *Eryngium maritumum*.
