The flooded forests are also drying up, the tears of heaven

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Lerato Khumalo

The risk of drought due to global climate change is on the agenda again with increasing temperature values. Following the drying up of certain parts of the Büyük Menderes River at the beginning of summer, the resources in Istrancalar, which supplies water to Istanbul, are also at risk. While the water level in the Pabuçdere, Kazandere and Istrancalar dams is decreasing, the effects of the picture that will emerge in the coming days have already become a matter of curiosity. While it is also on the agenda that if water is continued to be transferred from the resources in Istrancalar, which also meet the water needs of Istanbul, the forests are not protected and the tree cutting continues, the Longoz Forests may be under the threat of extinction, Forestry and Ecology Specialist Prof. Dr. Doğan Kantarcı said; “The continuity of the streams originating in Istrancalar and flowing into the Black Sea is very important. Demirköy streams constantly feed the Longoz Forests. Thanks to the current of Demirköy waters, the ground water of the Longoz Forests is fed and a fresh water flow is provided towards the sea. Thus, the salty water of the Black Sea cannot enter under the Longoz Forests.”

Prof. Dr. Kantarcı, while drawing attention to the biggest danger that will be experienced in the coming days, said, “Transferring the Istranca waters, which will already decrease in water flow during the dry season, to Istanbul will cause deterioration in the ecosystem. When the fresh water pressure decreases, it will be a disaster if the salty Black Sea water enters the longozs. In this case, the Longoz Forests, which are home to wildlife and unique species, will dry up.”

WILDLIFE SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN

Kırklareli City Council Executive Board Member Göksal Çidem, while drawing attention to the fact that water resources, groundwater feeding areas and water basins in Thrace should be declared absolute protection areas, said, “Mining activities, especially in Kırklareli and Tekirdağ, should not be allowed in water resource areas. ArOur waters in the Magan and Kirklareli dams are important not only for the people living in the region, but also for the wildlife living in the Istranca Mountains. shared his knowledge.

DESTRUCTION IS INEVITABLE

Çidem, who said that forests should not be seen as wood storage areas or areas where mining and energy activities will be carried out, continued her warnings as follows: “It is stated that the heat wave, which has caused water scarcity even in England, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, will continue its effect on the European continent throughout August and September. “The situation in Istrancalar could be critical. If there is a drought, the destruction of the Longoz forests will become inevitable.”

BULGARIA PROTECTS

Adding that the part of the Istranca Mountains extending to Bulgaria has been protected as a biosphere area for 29 years, Çidem said: “A Biosphere Reserve area project study was completed in 2008-2010 for the Turkish side of the same forest in an area of ​​130 thousand hectares. It has not been approved for 14 years. Although a candidacy application file for the declaration of the Yıldız Mountains as a Biosphere Area is prepared in the format and content requested by the UNESCO MAB Commission, it is not submitted to UNESCO. “Istrancalar should be declared a biosphere reserve area urgently, and all mining activities on underground and surface water supply areas should be stopped.” he spoke.

The flooded forests are also drying up, the tears of heaven - Picture : 2
During last year’s major summer drought, water resources in the region were completely depleted.

65 BILLION CUBIC METERS

While it is stated that the extreme heat wave that has caused drought risk in many countries in the Mediterranean basin will continue its effect throughout August and September, Turkey’s water consumption, which was 45 billion cubic meters in 2008, has exceeded 65 billion cubic meters today. While 71 percent of water resources are used in agriculture, former DSI director Dursun Yıldız said; “Increasing population and construction, as well as drought, are triggering the water crisis. Water users are not changing their consumption habits. “Istanbul has become a city that has become a water monster. Water resources in the Melen and Thrace Basins are also being transferred to Istanbul.” he spoke.

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