Wetland ecosystems are the most productive and rich systems of the earth. At the same time, the fastest damaged and destroyed living spaces. Turkey is a rich geography in terms of diversity and number of wetlands. The majority of the wetlands in Turkey have an internationally important natural area (Ped) status.

To date, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has been protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the status of Ramsar (international wetlands), 59 of them wetlands and 32 of them wetlands. These areas are vital for birds both in the reproductive period and migration period. The safe growth, feeding and re -migration of water birds throughout the year depends on the existence and protection of these ecosystems.

Since 1970, the backbone population in the world has decreased by 69 percent.

The surface area of the wetlands lost in the last sixty years has reached two million hectares, that is, the size of the sea of about one and a half Marmara. Reports show that biodiversity is rapidly disappearing. Since 1970, the backbone population in the world has decreased by 69 percent. This number has reached 83 percent for fresh water types, which is an indication that wetlands have been seriously destroyed.

Turkey is among the countries that will be highly affected by climate change due to the impact of false policies. In our country, where the effects of drought increased, the most dry January has been experienced in the last 22 years. There is an increase in both drought and severity of flood events. In order to adapt to changes in weather events, wetland ecosystems must be restored first. Wetlands reduce the effects of storm, flood and coastline erosion caused by climate change. It is also critical because it fills the groundwater stores and filters the water naturally.

Annual water consumption in Turkey is 54 billion cubic meters.

Although we know that water plays a key role in the cycle of life, the wrong practices in water use endanger the presence of water. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 70 percent of the fresh water in the world is used in agriculture.

According to the National Water Plan prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the 2019-2023 period, annual water consumption in Turkey is around 54 billion cubic meters. 40 billion cubic meters (74 percent) of this in irrigation, 7 billion cubic meters (13 percent) drinking-use and 7 billion cubic meters (13 percent) are used in meeting industrial water needs.

Wrong water and agricultural policies need to change.

Dicle Tuba Kılıç, Chairman of the Nature Association, said: According to national water plan data, 74 %of our water resources are used in agricultural irrigation. Therefore, the first change should begin with agricultural policies for the survival of the cycle of water and wetland ecosystems. The existence of wetlands and the protection of the cycle of water should be guaranteed. Otherwise, we will cause many losses both ecologically and economically. ” said.

Source: (Byzha) – White News Agency