Strategies for sustainable landscape management in the Filyos river delta, Turkey

Abstract

Aim: Filyos is the largest river basin in the Western Black Sea Region in Turkey. Filyos River Delta (FRD), is an important marshy ecosystem area that includes different habitats such as small lakes, sand dunes, reed beds etc. in the north of Çaycuma county in Zonguldak province. On the other hand, the Filyos Valley Project" is expected to become one of the most important public investment projects designed to ensure regional development since early 1990s. In this study, environmental strains on Filyos River Delta and near coastal areas were identified. Landscape management strategies were developed for sustainability of the Filyos River Delta. Methodology: Information related to natural and cultural landscape features of Filyos River Delta were obtained through the analysis of report, previous studies and fieldwork. Landscape features of Filyos River Delta were evaluated for balanced land use and development. Results: Filyos River Delta has important natural, cultural and historical background that faces serious environmental problems such as flood risk, unorganized industrialization, overwhelmed agricultural activities, loss of biodiversity, sand and gravel mining on the river bed. More significantly, constant increasing environmental impacts are likely to be permanent and to damage the health, safety and welfare of public before completion of the project which was originally envisioned to improve the infrastructure of the Filyos Valley and enhance the quality of life for its residents. Interpretation: Land use and development alternatives that could protect the natural and cultural resources and provide sustainable growth and development were presented.