Dish of the Day

Marking World Wetlands Day on 2 February, Yusuf Demir, a faculty member of the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, emphasized that a future in which access to water is not secured is unacceptable, stressing that the protection of wetlands is of vital importance for both nature and humanity.

Prof. Dr. Demir, who will also deliver a presentation titled “The importance of water in sustainable biodiversity” at an event to be held on World Wetlands Day at the Kızılırmak Delta Ramsar Site in Samsun, underlined that as the first quarter of the 21st century comes to a close, all regulations and policies must be shaped in line with this principle. He stated:

“This sustainability-based approach necessitates protecting water at the highest level, developing it through holistic planning methods, and managing it within the framework of good governance principles, with the active participation of all stakeholders who manage and use water.”

“World Wetlands Day is a reminder of a global responsibility”

Recalling that the Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, Prof. Dr. Demir noted that 2 February, the date of its signing, has been observed as World Wetlands Day in 171 countries since 1997. He stated:

“This meaningful day is extremely important in reminding the public once again that protecting wetlands, the source of life, is not a choice but a vital necessity.”

Pointing out that wetlands are indispensable ecosystems for all living beings, especially humans, Demir emphasized that their importance has increased even further with climate change, adding:

“A balance must be established between technology, economy, and the environment in the use of water and soil resources. Transferring the ecological character of wetlands and protected areas to future generations in a sustainable manner is one of humanity’s most fundamental responsibilities.”

“Wetlands in Samsun are under serious threat”

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir drew attention to the serious threats facing wetlands in Samsun and across Türkiye, issuing specific warnings regarding Ladik Lake and the Bafra Kızılırmak Delta Ramsar Site.

Stating that Ladik Lake is shrinking day by day due to poor water management, pollution, agricultural pressures, and the impacts of climate change, Demir said:

“The loss of Ladik Lake does not merely mean the disappearance of a natural area; it also means damage to the livelihoods of the local population.”

Emphasizing that the Bafra Kızılırmak Delta, despite its international Ramsar status, remains under threat due to development pressure, pollution, and insufficient enforcement, Demir noted:

“Ramsar status is not a title that exists only on paper. It brings with it a responsibility for effective and determined protection.”

“This is our clear call to authorities”

Prof. Dr. Demir issued a call to authorities and relevant institutions regarding both wetlands, highlighting the following points:

• An urgent rescue and ecosystem restoration plan must be prepared and transparently implemented for Ladik Lake. The efforts initiated in 2025 by the Samsun Governorship, under the coordination of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Regional Directorate, are promising and must be put into practice without delay.
• Protection provisions in the Bafra Kızılırmak Delta Ramsar Site must be fully enforced, and development and pollution pressures must be brought to an immediate halt.
• Scientifically based, participatory, and sustainable management plans must be implemented in wetlands.
• Effective inspection mechanisms must be established against agricultural and industrial pollution, and deterrent sanctions must be applied.
• Public awareness must be increased through educational initiatives on water, wetlands, environmental protection, and climate change.
• A transparent governance approach that includes local communities, civil society organizations, and experts in decision-making processes must be adopted.

“The loss of wetlands is a silent destruction”

Recalling that Türkiye has approximately 136 wetlands, 14 of which are Ramsar Sites, Prof. Dr. Demir stated:

“Each must be addressed individually, with problems identified and solutions developed. The loss of wetlands is a silent destruction. Every dried lake and every vanished delta represents a piece torn away from our future.”

Concluding his remarks with a strong call, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir said:

“Protecting nature means defending life. If we cannot protect wetlands today, we will be unable to protect either water or life tomorrow. If wetlands survive, life endures.”