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Management and restoration of the Gediz delta, Turkey

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The aim of the project is to set up an adaptive and sustainable management system for the Gediz Delta in Turkey, with the possibility of carrying out restoration activities to compensate for the consequences of global changes. It consists of three complementary, closely linked components: improving knowledge, public participation, and site management.

The Gediz Delta seen from above. © Helio Van Ingen

The Gediz Delta was designated as a natural habitat in 1982, as a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI)’ in 1985, and classified as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention in 1998. In addition to its ornithological diversity, the delta is home to 14 species of freshwater fish, 35 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 8 species of mammals (Gediz Delta Management Plan, 2007; Arslan et al., 2018). Despite its importance, the Gediz Delta continues to be threatened by changes to natural systems as well as residential and commercial development (Arslan et al., 2022).

The amount of freshwater reaching the delta has decreased considerably over the years with the construction of dams on the Gediz river, agricultural irrigation and reduced rainfall due to climate change. Hydrological changes have had a significant impact on biodiversity and have led to increased salinisation. An innovative large-scale restoration project for the Gediz delta is scheduled for early 2025. This project is working with a multitude of private and public stakeholders to restore an old branch of the Gediz river in order to reduce the increasing salinity of the area and restore temporary wetland habitats. This innovative project will use water cleaned at the wastewater treatment plant to inject fresh water into the system.

Objectives

  1. To develop a baseline and monitor vegetation cover, herpetofauna, dragonflies, hydrology and heavy metals in the southern Gediz delta.
  2. Reduce the impact of global changes on the delta’s biodiversity.
  3. To re-establish a flow in the former branch of the Gediz river.
  4. Create a seasonal freshwater overflow to create temporary pools in the wetlands.
  5. Reduce the salinity of the area to promote extensive livestock grazing activities.
  6. Set up a multi-stakeholder governance platform to promote ecosystem services in the delta.
Hydrological surveys © Lisa Ernoul

Actions & methodology

The activities undertaken since 2009 in the framework of this project concern:

Results

We have established that one of the greatest threats to reptiles in the Gediz Delta stems from their deliberate destruction by local people due to the persistence of a deep-seated fear of amphibians and reptiles. Encounters between humans and reptiles often end with the death of the latter. To raise the awareness of the general public and local site users about the species found in the delta, and their benefits, we developed a leaflet that is handed out at the Bird Paradise visitors’ reception centre.

We have contributed to the management of wetlands in the delta by mapping habitats and providing training on the use of the Mar-o-Sel [1] software tool to visualise fluctuations in water levels and salinity, which are among the main factors influencing the flora and fauna of the marshes. The tool was relevant in the Gediz Delta for orienting the water management systems inside the reserve (Bird Paradise) to comply with the objectives of the management plan concerning the evolution of habitats and wildlife holding capacities.

Team

Partners

Technical partners

Financial partners

Publications