total: 780,580 sq km
land: 770,760 sq km
Coastline: 7,200 km
Population: 65,599,206 (July 1999 est.)
Source: CIA Worldfact Book (2000)
Turkey
(Source: CIA World Factbook 1999)
Many thanks to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, the source of the following information. The information was taken from the Turkey's submission to the 5th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (last update: 1 April 1997). For further information on the Turkey's social and economic factors, natural resources, and institutional structures see the United Nations System-Wide Web Site on National Implementation of the Rio Commitments National Information for Turkey at:
http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/turkey/index.htm
Turkey is not a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Articles of the convention are taken into consideration to the extent that they reflect customary international law. The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitat, also known as the Bern Convention, came into force in Turkey in 1984.
It placed the Government under the obligation of protecting endangered marine turtles as well as their breeding and nesting grounds along the Mediterranean Coastal System. In addition, these species are protected by the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution under which an Action Plan has been adopted for the protection of the sea turtles. Within the framework of these Conventions, the Marine Turtles Monitoring Commission was set up in 1990 under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment in order to conserve the marine turtles in Turkish Mediterranean coastal areas. The Environment Management Plan has been designed for the same important coastal areas. Studies have been started aimed at protecting these coastal areas, the endangered sea turtles, and their nesting areas. The MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (73/78) and its Annexes I, II and V have been found difficult to implement.
The Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Human Settlements, the Ministry of Tourism, and local authorities are responsible for decision-making related to oceans and coastal areas. The Under-Secretariat for Maritime Affairs is the operational focal point of the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC), and the National focal point of the Emergency Response Activity Center for the Environmental Management and Protection of the Black Sea (BSEP) project.
Turkey has a National policy on oceans. The establishment of an integrated coastal area management programme, encompassing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea is planned. Comprehensive assessment of the state of the environment of coastal and marine areas are carried out frequently in Turkey.
National databases contain information on the periodic measurement of main pollutant parameters at sea, goods transported by sea, a register of ships and seafarers, information on ship accidents and ports, activities in the coastal areas, and marine degradation caused by sea-based activities. Turkey has access to technology to identify the major types of pollution from land-based sources within the framework of the Med-Pol, the BSEP, and Mediterranean Environmental Technical Assistance Office (METAO) projects.
Turkey played a leadership role in launching an international environmental programme for the Black Sea Region in 1993. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has financed this BSEP project at a total cost of US$32.60 million. It has three primary objectives: a) to strengthen and create regional capacities for managing the Black Sea ecosystem; b) to develop and implement an appropriate policy and legal framework for the assessment, control, and prevention of pollution; and the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity; and c) to facilitate the preparation of sound environmental issues. The Programme Coordination Unit was established in Istanbul in 1994. It is assisted by a pollution monitoring network involving universities and other public institutions. The project is to run for three years.
With regard to the sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources of the high seas, Turkey attaches vital importance to the UN Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks and plans to take into consideration the principles established by this Conference. Turkey also considers the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct of Responsible Fishing an important development for the sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources under National jurisdiction and plans to develop National policies in harmony with the Code.
International support is needed in terms of monitoring, and technical and financial support for the inventory of pollution from land-based sources and for the control of all kinds of waste from maritime transport, combating oil spills at sea and in ports, and for contingency plans in case of accidents at sea.
Turkey participates in the following international
scientific programmes: the Black Sea International
Oceanographic Research Programme (COMSBLACK) with the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), la
Commission Internationale pour l'Exploration de la Mer
Méditerranée (CIESM), and the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO); the Physical, Biological and
Chemical Oceanographic Research Programme (POEM BC) with
IOC; the Modeling for Black Sea Ecosystem project (TU-BLACK
SEA); the Regional Cooperation Programme of Oceanography
Institutes in the Black Sea with NATO); the Monitoring of
Selected Traces for Transportation and Flux Modeling in the
Black Sea with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA); and the Comparative Assessment Programme for Primary
Production, Transportation and Coastal-High Sea Interaction
in Accordance with SeaWifs and Coastal Zone Colour Scanner
(CZCS) Data with NATO. Turkey also participates in the
development of socioeconomic and environmental indicators,
systematic observation systems, the Global
Ocean Observing System, and in the mussel watch programme,
but not in clearing-houses.
COASTAL MANAGEMENT IN TURKEY
EUCC has compiled country files on Integrated Coastal
Management (ICM) for all coastal states of Europe and
Central Asia. Summaries for all countries will become
available in August.
This page provides a preliminary summary on the following
items for Turkey:
- Spatial planning
- Environment
- Nature Conservation
- Sectoral Development
- Framework for Development of ICZM
- National Achievements in the Field of ICZM
- Problems and Constraints for the Development of ICZM
1. Spatial Planning
1.1 Legislation and Regulations
- The Coastal Law / Shore Law, restrictions on land use within the 100-meter wide coastal strip, (1990, amended in 1992)
- Land-use and Development Law (1985): Sentences on planning, application, construction and operational permits.
- The Law for the Establishment of the Ministry of Transportation: This Law deals with granting permission for and construction of maritime structures. [50]
1.2 Administrative Competencies
The ministry of Public Works and Settlements has the final authority for planning in these areas, except in areas declared as tourism centres where the authority is transferred to the Ministry of Tourism. [51] The General Directorate of Bank of Provinces is affiliated to the Ministry of Public Works and settlement and has the responsibility to provide infrastructure projects on a turn key basis for municipalities, to provide credit for financing these projects, to prepare urban development plans, to provide technical assistance for construction, mapping, selling or renting materials and equipment, to insure property and to train the staff of the municipalities. [52] One of the main pieces of legislation relating to coastal areas is the Coastal/Shore Law of 1990, which sets out principles for the protection of the sea, natural and artificial lakes, river shores and the shore strip. But this is not a comprehensive coastal management law, therefor municipalities have the responsibility for enforcing the Coastal/Shore Law in their boundaries and annexed areas whilst the provincial governors have responsibility for all other areas. [53]
1.3 Coastal Policy
- To redefine planning hierarchies, responsibilities and authorities; to integrate an ecological perspective into planning practices; to strengthen planning instruments by amending the Land-use and Development Law.
- To redefine coastal strips through an amendment to the Coastal Law. This amendment will take into account topographic conditions and natural resources and cover all ICZM issues. Coasts can not be owned privately and are open to the benefit of all, equally and freely.
- There are some restrictions on land use within the 100-meter wide coastal strip. The Coastal Law (1990) outlines the conditions related to land use, filling of the sea, the types of functions, buildings and special facilities that can take place within the coastal zone.
2. Environment
2.1 Legislation and Regulations
- Environmental Law (1983) / Regulations on EIA (1993-í97): This Law deals with policy making on environmental issues, inventories, planning, monitoring and prevention of pollution and enforcement and sanctions. [54]
2.2 Administrative Competencies
The Ministry of Environment is designated as the main responsible body for environmental management and charged with co-ordinating all national and international activities concerning water resources. It was established as Undersecretariate of Environment attached to the Prime Ministry in 1978 and was elevated to Ministry status in 1991. Its organisational structure provides for Province Environmental Directorates, authorised to decide on water issues.
- The General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works is affiliated to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. It is a leading body carrying out most of subsector activities at all stages of water resources development. SHW ensures the long-term supply of drinking and industrial water and also plans, executes and in most cases co-operates works for flood protection, irrigation, drainage and hydropower generation. The responsibilities of SHW also include performing basic investigations such as, flow gauging, soil classification, water quality monitoring, preparation of river basin development plans and formulation of proposals for construction financing and subsequent operation of these works.
- In addition, Water and Sewage Administration connected to the municipalities (15 out of 80 provincial capital municipalities) have taken part in the implementation of pollution control policies, including water supply and construction and operation of wastewater treatment facilities. [55]
2.3 Environmental Policy
- To structure industrial and urban wastewater and solid waste administration and investments that may help to decrease pollution caused by highly prioritised polluting resources.
- To establish a monitoring system for pollution control and monitoring especially at wastewater discharge points.
- To carry out a research project on coastal erosion in the Black Sea coastal zone and implement pilot projects.
- To prepare emergency response plans.
- To prepare a new law for planning, protection, appropriation, and administration of water resources.
3. Nature Conservation
3.1 Legislation
- Law for protection of Cultural and Natural Wealth, (1983).
- Natural Park Law, (1983).
- Decree of the Council of Ministers for the Establishment of a Special Agency For Environmental Protection. [56]
3.2 Administrative Competencies
Three ministries namely the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, and the Ministry of Culture are responsible for nature conservation through three different laws, dealing with specially protected areas, national parks and other designations, cultural and natural sites. There are no arrangements for co-ordination of these efforts which causes confusion at the local level. [57]
3.3 System of Protected Areas
There are efforts in order to maintain biological
diversity through expanding aerial extend of the protected
natural sites. National parks, Nature Reserves and specially
protected areas are some of these attempts undertaken by the
Turkish Government. [58]
There are 6 national parks, 2 natural parks and 10 natural
protection sites in the Black Sea region. Also, there are 4
wetlands and several natural bird habitats. At the moment
there is a plan to declare a specially protected area around
the Fýrtýna brook region because of the
special characteristics of the site and to protect the area
against the construction of a hydroelectric power
station.
4. Sectoral Development
4.1 Coastal Defence
No information received.
4.2 Recreation and Tourism
Although the region has potential, necessary resources
for tourism activities, the tourism sector could not develop
as satisfactorily as it did along the Aegean and
Mediterranean coasts. This is due to various reasons such as
its geographical location, its relatively shorter tourism
season and its relative underdevelopment as compared to the
other 2 regions. Some parts of the region like
Akçakoca, Amasra, Ayancik, Ünye, Sinop and the
mountainous sections of Bolu are places where tourism has
developed. The number of beds with touristic purposes is
34,000, which is 6 % of the total in the country.
Tourism Incentives Law (1982):
Identification and planning of tourism sites and centres,
provision, giving incentives to tourism organisations.
4.3 Fisheries and Aquaculture
Commercial Fishing is one of Turkeyís traditional
marine economic. The countryís long coastline
provides good natural conditions for fishing and
aquaculture, The Black Sea is exceptionally productive,
providing more than 80% of Turkeyís total fishery
catch. However sense the late ë80s, the total value of
the catch and the number of fish species have declined
progressively, as a result of pollution of coastal
waters.
Fisheries Law (1971):
Protection and supervision services for production in the
fishery sector.
4.4 Transport
No information received.
4.5 Harbours and Shipping
Harbours Law (1923):
Administration of harbours, pollution control, organisation
of the naval traffic and its security.
No more information received.
4.6 Industry
Cities with rather well developed trade and service functions are prevalent in the region. However, there are also cities that are specialised in industrial sectors. Samsun and Trabzon are cities with with well-developed regional functions. The development of the city of Zonguldak is largely based on mining and industry. Kocaeli and Sakarya are industrialised cities under the influence of the metropolitan functions of Istanbul. Izmit, Karabük, Eregli, Adapazari, Gebze are also cities with a well developed industrial sector.
4.7 Agriculture
Turkeyís agricultural production constitutes a
major economic activity in the coastal areas. Remarkably, 90
% of tobacco, 80 % of cotton and 70 % of the rice production
of the country takes place in coastal provinces.
Consequently, a great challenge facing the country is to
reduce agricultural pollution resulting from intensive use
of fertilisers and pesticides.
[59]
The situation in the Black Sea region is slightly different.
Only 6% of the cultivated area of Turkey are situated in the
Black Sea region. The region supplies more than half of the
corn production and more than one-third of the rice
production of Turkey. Also 40% of the stone fruit trees, 40%
of the nuts and 87% of the tea plants of Turkey are produced
in this region. Also in this region the use of fertilisers
is the biggest environmental problem, the use of fertilisers
increased by 25% between 1975 and 1996. Meanwhile,
cultivated areas increased by 12% and crop production
increased by 31% in the region. The Black Sea coastal areas
are facing a big recession at the moment.
[60]
5. Framework for Development of ICZM
The Republic of Turkey has adopted policies aiming at
sustainable development that respects the balance between
economic development and environmental protection and the
use of necessary tools for these purposes. ICZM, which is an
important tool for the realisation of sustainable
development and environmental protection, is one of the
tools that have been adopted by Turkey within this scope.
These policies have been reflected in the five-year
development plans and other national documents. Turkey has
also made commitments to protect the environment and to
promote sustainable development. Turkey has committed itself
to the implementation of integrated coastal zone management
by signing several international agreements such as the Rio
de Janeiro convention with its ë Agenda 21í.
Other conventions signed and ratified by Turkey are the
Barcelona Convention, the Ramsar Convention and MARPOL. For
the Black Sea region the Bucharest Convention (1992), the
Odessa Ministerial Declaration (1993), and the Strategic
Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the
Black Sea, (BS SAP 1996) have been signed. ICZM in the Black
Sea region started in 1993 within the framework of the Black
Sea Environmental Program (BSEP).
6. National Achievements in the
Field of ICZM
- The establishment of the National Committee on Turkish Coastal Zone Management (KAY) in 1993. It plays an important role in the ICZM approach at the national level through the organisation of seminars, courses and projects.
- Within the scope of the ICZM program, several meetings were held under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment. Participants were experts and advisors on the BSEP and ICZM from related ministries, related organisations, local administrations, professional chambers, related sectors, NGOís and university experts. In order to make the ICZM network official, an organisational scheme has been submitted for approval on 30 Oct. 1995.
- The decisions taken in the meetings mentioned above were published in the Turkish National ICZM Report and in the National Progress Report.
- 13 project proposals were submitted to the World Bank, and four project proposals were found appropriate for implementation and in line with ICZM methodologies. Unfortunately there was a delay in selecting the best pilot project and submitting it to the World Bank. Therefor it was not possible to get funding, and no progress was made at the implementation stage.
- In january 1994, a Black Sea NGO forum meeting was held in Ankara in which 15 organisations participated. Decisions were taken to establish a secretariat and to continue relations with the BSEP. In 1995 and in the following years several ICZM related meetings were organised and international NGO meetings were also attended.
- A research Project: "Trabzon Province Coastal Management" was realised by the Trabzon Development Foundation.
- Increasing coastal zone problems made necessary the establishment of some units for coastal zones at the central level. The ëCoastal Inventory Agencyí (Ministry of Public Works and Housing) is charged with determining the coastal shoreline and developing inventories with regard to the implementation of coastal law.
- In may 1997 the ëEnvironmental and Coastal Management Agencyí was established by the Ministry of Environment, charged with preparation, implementation and evaluation of environmental management plans at national, regional and local level.
7. Problems and Constraints for the Development of ICZM
- Institutional organisation and the capacity of professionals are quite limited. Efforts to improve activities within the scope of the BSEP ICZM program have proven insufficient in many respects. Particularly, the establishment of a database research studies, institutional and professional education, public awareness and enhanced participation of the public could not be satisfactory achieved. Past activities on the National level were mostly focussed on giving information. No study was conducted with regard to the legal and institutional organisation within the scope of the project.
- There is neither a wide scope ICZM law nor a special institutional development in this area and therefor efforts do not go far beyond the project level.
- In Turkey, since there is neither a law that covers all respects related to coastal zones, nor a special institutional structure for this purpose, various organisations happen to be authorised and responsible in coastal zones. As a result, the authorities are overlapping in some respects and there are some gaps in other areas.
- Due to disorder and multiplicity in institutional structure, there is also deficiency in co-ordination. Deficiency exists in horizontal as well as in vertical co-ordination at central, regional, and local level.
- In Turkey, local organisations are weaker than central organisations. There are deficiencies in local administrations and in local organisations of the central government, especially with regard to decision-making, budgeting and getting financial aid. Although Turkey has assumed the principle of being administered locally as a policy, the necessary arrangements to fully implement this policy have not been realised yet.
- Legal mechanisms with regard to public participation and access to information are not sufficient. Legal arrangements in this respect (EIA, etc.) provide limited possibility to the public to participate in few areas. On the other hand, NGO initiatives and public consciousness are more and more developing and becoming widespread.
- In the process of EIA, which has been applied since 1993, there are still problems with regards to its application, supervision and monitoring. There is no legal basis and criteria in strategic EIA and environmental. [61]