The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change General Directorate of Nature Conservation, Burdur Governorship, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ), and MAKÜ Salda Science Center organized a workshop that attracted significant interest from stakeholders.
The lake area has halved in the last 50 years
At the meeting, the current state of Burdur Lake, which has lost about half of its area in the last 50 years due to global climate change and increased water usage, and the steps needed to protect it were discussed. It was emphasized that the dry sediment areas exposed by the withdrawal of lake water pose serious threats to the ecosystem by spreading dust and salt to the environment.
It was noted that human-induced activities such as illegal plowing, uncontrolled agriculture, and grazing also exacerbate the problems experienced in the lake. It was stated that studies related to coastal protection areas and basin management plans are ongoing.
Science-based governance model proposal
At the meeting, the necessity of implementing a new management and governance model based on scientific data to protect and ensure the sustainability of Burdur Lake was emphasized. It was expressed that a solution-oriented action plan should be created with the participation of all parties, from local governments to NGOs, from academics to farmers.
Conservation efforts will continue
The Deputy General Director of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change General Directorate of Nature Conservation, Beyhan Oktar, stated that conservation efforts in the lake are ongoing, saying, “Burdur Lake and its basin have been declared a first-degree natural site area for protection purposes. In addition, studies are being conducted to update the statuses of site areas with scientific ecological research” he said.
Salda science center will work for the lake
MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar emphasized that the scientific studies conducted on Burdur Lake should not be limited to reports and should offer concrete solutions. “To preserve the ecological balance of Burdur Lake, our science center Salda Science Center will conduct studies not only for Salda Lake but for all wetlands in the region” he said.
The dust problem awaits a solution
Burdur Deputy Prof. Dr. Adem Korkmaz drew attention to the negative impact of the intense dusting that emerged with the decrease in lake level on city life, saying, “Dust clouds cause serious problems in the city during windy weather. We need to take concrete steps supported by scientific data” he said.
Waterless agriculture and alternative crops will be encouraged
Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan stated that the water loss in the lake is not only due to climate change but also agricultural and industrial use. “We will encourage the planting of drought-resistant plants such as lavender, rose, and immortelle instead of high water-consuming plants like corn and alfalfa” she said.
Attention was drawn to the health aspect
Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan emphasized that one of the most important issues is health due to the dust cloud around Burdur Lake and underlined the importance of taking precautions in this regard.
At the end of the meeting, experts shared presentations prepared for the protection of Burdur Lake, and studies were conducted to create a new roadmap in light of the scientific data obtained.
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