Strasbourg, 14 March 2001                                                              T-PVS/Emerald (2001) 11

[T-pvs Emerald 11e]

CONVENTION ON THE conservation of EUROPEAN wildlife

and natural habitats

Group of Experts for the setting up

of the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest

---ooOoo---

Emerald Network Pilot Project in Turkey

- Report -

Document established

by the Directorate of Environment

and Sustainable Development

Contents

1. Biodiversity in Turkey......................................................................................................... 3

1.1.General overview................................................................................................................ 3

1.2.Land use pattern in Turkey.................................................................................................. 3

1.3..................................................................................... Major ecosystems throughout Turkey 3

1.4. Flora and fauna................................................................................................................... 4

1.5. Legal status of biodiversity conservation............................................................................ 5

2. Emerald Network pilot project in Turkey........................................................................... 9

2.1.................................................................. Pre-meeting of the Emerald Network pilot project 9

2.2.................................................................................................. Emerald Network Workshop 9

2.3.... Building and training of the national Emerald Network team, identification of the species

      and habitats within each biogeographical region in Turkey and selection of potential areas

      of special conservation interests (ASCIs)............................................................................ 9

2.4........................... Description of the potential areas of special conservation interests (ASCIs) 10

3. National Emerald Network team....................................................................................... 10

3.1...................................................................................... Emerald Network projet team leader 10

3.2............................................................ National Emerald Network administrative Committee 10

3.3.................................................................... National Emerald Network scientific Committee 11

3.4........................................................................... Emerald Network Technical working group 11

3.5................................................................................. Emerald Network Project Administrator 12

4. The problems with the Emerald Network software.......................................................... 12

5. Responsible bodies for the management of the designated sites....................................... 12

1. Biodiversity in Turkey

1.1. General overview

More formal descriptions of Turkey highlight several distinct biogeographic regions, each with its own endemic species and natural ecosystems, i.e. The Caucasian Mountain forests with the temperate deciduous forest, alpine meadows, Central and Eastern Anatolian steppe grasslands and the Mediterranean region, which includes the world's largest remaining Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) forests and Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani) forests.  In addition, Turkish wetlands are of crucial importance for many breeding species of birds. For example, Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), which is a globally threatened bird, breeds in Lake Manyas, Gediz and the Buyuk Menderes Deltas. Approximately 70 % of the world population of another globally threatened species White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) winters in Turkish wetlands especially at the Lake Burdur. In addition, Lake Tuz is most important incubation site of greater flamingos  (Phoenicopterus ruber). In the midsections of the lake there are two incubation colonies each consisting of 5-6 thousand nests. Millions of migratory birds move between Western Eurasia and Africa each year.  In the fall, flocks of storks and birds of prey can be seen from the hills of Camlica in Istanbul. Coruh Valley, located in the northeast of Turkey is another major migration route, especially for birds of prey.

1.2. Land use pattern in Turkey

Turkey has a total surface area of 77,482,000 hectares. Land use pattern of Turkey is as follows (1995):

Land use class	Area (ha)	Percentage (%)
Arable	27,100,000	35
Grassland	21,200,000	27
Forest	20,700,000	27
Lakes and water surface	1,200,000	1.5
Others	7,300,000	9.5
Total	77,500,000	100.00

1.3. Major ecosystems throughout Turkey

1.3.1. Forests

There are two main forest types, one is Temperate Coniferous Forest and the other one is Temperate Deciduous Forest. Sub-grouping of these forest types can be done according to woody species (i.e. pine forest, cedar forest, fir forest, beech forest or mixed beech and oak forest), ecosystem characteristics (i.e. forest in transition zone into steppe and forest in humid, semi-arid and arid zones) and regions (Mediterranean forests, Eastern Black Sea forests, Western Black Sea forests)

The deciduous forests of the Western Black Sea region have a high number of woody species that may reach up to 15 species within very small area. Colhician forests and Alpine Meadows have very high endemism ratios especially above the tree line. Also, it is worth talking about some of the virgin old-growth forests especially in Artvin. Moreover, cedar forests in Taurus Mountains are one of the largest natural Cedar (Cedrus libani) forests of the world.  The forests of the Taurus Mountains bear very high endemism ratio with number of endemic plant species with.

Regarding of the importance of the existing fauna in the country two of the globally threatened species in Europe, namely the Black Vulture and Imperial Eagle, breed in Turkish forests.

Forest ecosystems include high-mountain and alluvial forests and cover 20,700,000 hectares where almost 50% are degraded.  Deciduous forests are prevalent in Turkey and coniferous forests are found at varying altitudes from sea level to timberline.  Humid, sub-humid coniferous, and dry forests (oak, black and red pine) as well as shrubs and maquis, are found in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.  Forests in Turkey include, three distinct and different floristic regions, each described later.

1.3.2. Steppes

Grasslands, which can be defined as: the areas covered with herbaceous plants, occupies 21,745,000 ha. This figure was 44,300,000 ha in 1935 and 37,800,000 ha in 1950. The figures show a steady decrease in the amount of grasslands. There are several reasons for that. No doubt primary reason is the anthropogenic effect. Most of the grasslands have been plough to gain agricultural areas in the past to meet the food demand of the increasing population. This trend has come to an end in the recent years because almost all potential-areas have already been invaded. What are left now are only the marginal areas with no potential to be used as agricultural areas. Steppe areas which, are considered as being the total of grasslands and the marginal areas, now account over 28.000.000 ha.

Cultivated areas (27,100,000 hectares) cover 35% of the total area of Turkey, the majority being in the steppe ecosystem. Of the total agricultural area, field crops account for 70%, fruits, 5%; vegetables, 2.7%, vineyards, 2% and olive fields, %2.2.  The remaining 18% of the cultivated area is used as fallow annually within the cereal growing system.   The steppe ecosystem is perhaps one of the most important from the point of view of economics.  A large number of food crops, which have been derived from the wild species, which are endemic to Turkey.  These have evolved in the region over the ages from wild varieties, many of which are now responsible for feeding the majority of humankind.

1.3.3. Wetlands

Wetlands of Turkey display a wide variation of characteristics reflecting the diversity of climate, topography, elevation and soil conditions. Surrounded on three sides by seas and with approximately 1.280.000 hectares of wetlands, while 200.000 ha of wetlands was lost due to drying since 1960’s.  Wetlands provide habitats for large numbers of water birds and other aquatic species. There are around 250 wetlands, of which many have international significance.

Wetlands are threatened due to different human uses such as pollution, illegal fishing, excessive use of water for agricultural purposes, dam construction).

Wetlands are vital for migrating species. The main reason why Turkey's wetlands are of international importance stems from the country's geographical location. Two of the most important West Palaearctic region bird migration routes pass through Turkey.

More than 200,000 birds of prey enter the route from the Eastern Black Sea region then fly up the River Coruh and spread out over wetlands throughout eastern Anatolia.  This migration through Turkey is the greatest migration of birds of prey in the West Palaearctic Region.

The Bosphorus migration route enters Turkey in Thrace from the west of the Black Sea and passes over the Bosphorus to Anatolia, from northwest to south. It is subject to the pass over of more than 250,000 storks in groups of 200-700 birds, making for one of the most spectacular bird-movements in the world.

Thus, the wetlands of Turkey are more crucial than any other country, in enabling birds to make the long journeys, providing them habitats to embark upon during the course of their migration safely.

1.4. Flora and fauna

Turkey has 75% of the total number of plant species found in the whole of Europe.  One third of Turkish flora, which is more than twice as diverse as that of neighboring countries are found only in Turkey.  Cherries, apricots, almonds and figs all originated in Turkey.  Turkish flora includes many wild relatives and genetic diversity of important domestic species (e.g. wheat, chickpea, lentil, apple, pear, apricot, chestnut, and pistachio).  Turkey is also home to a number of ornamental flowers, the most notable being the tulip. Among continental countries, Turkey ranks 9^th in terms of biodiversity richness with over 33% of its flora being endemic.

Anatolia is similarly rich in fauna, with over 80.000 species.  It is the original homeland for the fallow deer and the pheasant.  Lions, tigers and leopards once prowled freely across the Anatolian steppe.  Today, the mountains and national parks are still abound with wildlife, such as brown bears, wild boar, lynx, wolves, the occasional leopard and over 400 species of birds, several of them endangered

Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts provide refuge for the endangered Monachus monachus, Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas.

The table below lists the numbers of plant and animal species with endemic, rare and extinct ones in Turkey.

1.5. Legal status of biodiversity conservation

The legal status of biological diversity in Turkey is reflected in the legal documents such as the Constitution, Laws, International Conventions, Protocols and Related Regulations.  There are 35 laws, 3 decrees of law status, 23 regulations, and 10 circulars related to environmental issues, including the Law for Environment, Law on the Conservation of the Cultural and Natural Heritage and National Parks Law's passed in 1983.  Many are directly or indirectly related to biological diversity, including Hunting Law passed in 1937 that brings the concept of protection of endangered species for the first time to legislation.

1.5.1. Constitution

The Turkish Constitution (1982) stipulates that “the State shall take the necessary precautions towards the protection and utilization of natural resources” and it has some general clauses broadly related to its conservation. For example, Article 56 states that citizens have the right to live in a healthy environment.  Article 63 states the principle of protecting cultural and natural resources. 

1.5.2. Internal Conventions

Turkey has been party to all conventions below on nature protection, but Bonn Convention.

–        Convention for the Protection of Birds (Paris Convention, 1966)

–        Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution (Barcelona Convention, 1998)

–        Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1983)

–        Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention, 1984)

–        Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention, 1994)

–        Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention, 1994)

–        Convention on Biological Diversity (1996)

–        Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1996)

–        United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa (1998)

–        European Landscape Convention (2000)

1.5.3. Institutional responsiblity

Various institutions, ministries and organizations have undertaken duties and responsibilities for conserving biological diversity. There is no overall coordinating system for conservation activities in Turkey.  Due to various overlaps of mandates there are also no dedicated agencies for conservation of biodiversity in specific ecosystems.

While the Ministry of the Environment creates policies, planning and co-ordination for environmental protection, some other institutions and ministries such as Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Authority of Specially Protected Areas carry out implementation activities.  In addition, there are some difficulties in putting into effect the rules and regulations related to the protection of natural resources because they are usually contradictory.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has responsibility for co-ordination and utilization of all resources related to agriculture.  Ministry of Forestry is responsible from the management of protected areas declared under the National Parks Law.  This is the primary institution responsible from the protection of wild life and regulating hunting in Turkey. 

Hunting licenses are issued by General Directorate of National Parks and Hunting-Wild Life under Ministry of Forestry and fishing licenses by the General Directorate of Protection and Control, under Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Hunting is controlled by Ministry of Forestry based on decisions of the National Hunting Commission, the main monitoring body for hunting, composed of stakeholders from local and central government well as well as the hunter associations.

Ministry of Environment has been established in 1991 to co-ordinate the activities concerning conservation/protection of wild flora, fauna and their habitats. This environmental legislation states that Ministry of Environment is the responsible agency for the co-ordination of environment related activities, and co-ordination of the implementation of International conventions and agreements regarding the conservation of nature including Convention on Biodiversity, in Turkey. Ministry of Environment has duplicated responsibilities with Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Ministry of Culture.  The Agency for Specially Protected Areas, under the Ministry of Environment, is presently responsible for protection of Specially Protected Areas in various parts of Turkey with differing unique, natural and historical attributes.  Environmental Impact Assessment is required for most of the development investments in Turkey and is processed by Ministry of Environment in co-ordination with concerned ministries.  However staffing constraints of Ministry of Environment make it very difficult to enforce what regulations imposed.

With the “Law on the Conservation of the Culture and Natural Heritage”, natural, archaeological, urban and historic sites are established throughout the country in order to carry the natural and cultural assets of our country to the future generations.

The Ministry of Culture, executes this duty by its “General Directorate for the Preservation of the Cultural and Natural Heritage” together with the “Supreme Council of the Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation” which is the main decision organ in establishing the “principle decisions” on conservation, which also acts as a consultant organ to the “Conservation Councils of Cultural and Natural Heritage”, and also with the 18 “Conservation Council of the Cultural and Natural Heritage” which are responsible of determining country-wide sites to be preserved and giving decisions about interventions to these sites.

Responsibility for grassland rests with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. However, the grasslands within boundaries of forests are among responsibilities of Ministry of Forestry.  Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also has the authority over the use of pesticides and chemicals.

Shortage of technically trained and specialized staff is a major constraint in environmental conservation programs in Turkey.  Inconsistent government personnel allocation policies result in frequent shifting of staff between locations allowing little time for area or subject specific specialization.  All ministries suffer from lack of skilled staff, specifically at the field level in rural and nature conservation areas where most biodiversity exists.

Funding for environmental conservation activities ranging from planning and programming to implementation carries low priority in the budgets of the related institutions.  Large administrative and staffing budgets leave proportionally smaller allocations for operational activities.

1.5.4. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Conservation education has been carried out but only indirectly and was primarily targeted to prevention of forest fires. In recent years, the private sector has become involved in encouraging fund-raising activities for environmental public awareness with the assistance of Non-Governmental Organizations. Concepts of “environment” and “biodiversity” were introduced to Turkey by Government but became very popular through activities of Non-Governmental Organizations, as is the case elsewhere.  There are no clear provisions in Turkish legislation for Non-Governmental Organizations and in their potential input to general environmental, and specifically, biodiversity conservation activities which, are therefore, severely hampered. Legal impediments related to financing mechanisms available to Non-Governmental Organizations, their ability to collect donations or raise funds, as well as regulatory constraints regarding Cupertino with international Non-Governmental Organizations are major problems.

In spite of the existing problems facing Non-Governmental Organizations, a number of internationally important flora, fauna species and their habitats have been put under protection through their efforts in collaboration with international organizations and many activities that have adverse effects on the species and their habitats were stopped.  For example, as a national NGO, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Turkey (DHKD) is an associate member of the WWF and is the Turkish partner of BirdLife International.  It has carried out marine turtle nesting projects in 17 areas including impact assessments of fisheries, important bird and plant area projects, and integrated wetland management project for the Goksu Delta as well as biodiversity conservation projects in several deltas and lakes.  Bodrum Volunteer Association is associated with Greenpeace and A SEED, and has provided help during the implementation of the Monk Seal Project in Bodrum area.  Turkish Environment Foundation (TCV) has many publications related to nature conservation.  Other international Non-Governmental Organizations are also involved to different degrees in biodiversity conservation in Turkey. Sualtı Arastırmaları Dernegi (SAD) is working with the Mediterranean Monk Seals and coastal areas.

1.5.5. Current conservation programs

1.5.5.1. First degree natural asset (I. Derece Dogal Sit)

By the acceptance of the “Law of Antiquities” in 1973, The Ministry of Culture, in order to protect cultural heritage as well as the natural heritage, has started studies according to the concept of “Natural Asset” in the aforementioned Law.  The Law of “Conservation of the Cultural and Natural Assets” of 1983 defines the concept “sites” as well as “Natural Entities”. “Natural Entities” include ancient caves, rock shelters, special trees and group of trees.

      Supreme Board of Protection for Cultural and Natural Assets defined "Natural Assets" in their 05.11.1999/659 decision, as being: "over ground, underground or sub-marine assets that belong to geological eras, prehistoric and historic eras and that should be protected because of their rareness or specifications and preciousness". The Natural Assets are important for the natural characteristics and beauties, rarely found, and needed for the conservation of the natural balance. Thus, the human activities in these areas should be controlled and restricted as much as possible. In these areas, activities are regulated as follow:  1) Any action disturbing the vegetation, topography, silhouette is not allowed, 2) For operational facilities such as the toilet, port, fisherman shelter, watchman house in the forest areas, road, auto park, restaurant, cafeteria special permits are required from High Commission, 3) The institutes which are responsible for preventing forest fires take necessary measures, 4) Removal of trees except for those downed by snow or wind, and unrecoverable sick ones is not allowed.

1.5.5.2. National Park (Milli park)

      National Parks are defined as recreation and tourism areas, which are rare in terms of scientific and scenic perspective in nature and are important for the conservation of the cultural and natural resource-values. These areas are in different regions of Turkey assigned as national parks by the different dates and purposes are now under the protective control and are kept open for public use.

      At the present, there are 33 national parks established since the studies were started in 1958. The size of national parks is between 64 and 88000 hectares.

1.5.5.3. Nature Park (Tabiat Parki)

      These areas are defined as the natural parks, which are suitable for public recreational purposes, with scenic value, vegetation cover and wild life. The 16 Nature Parks were established up to now and their size is between 6,5 and 17950 hectares. They were determined as Nature Parks in different years, under the framework of the National Parks Law (Article Code Nr. 2873). Nature Conservation Areas include high genetic diversity of plant and animal species.

1.5.5.4. Nature Conservation Area (Tabiati Koruma Alani)

      These areas are the natural places, which are important for science and education, with representative samples of endangered or threatened ecosystems, species and natural environment. Under the framework of National Park Law (Article Code Nr. 2873) 35 Nature Conservation Areas whose size is between 46.5 -17200 hectares have been established up to now in different years.

      Most of the Nature Conservation Areas have been set aside to protect the endemic plant species. For example, Ciglikara Nature Conservation Area is very rich in endemic plant species, harboring over 400 plant species.

1.5.5.5. Nature Monument (Tabiat aniti)

      The areas with unique natural beauty and scientific values resulted from long termed natural processes are protected as Nature Monuments. The very old trees characterize most of the Nature Monuments. 56 Nature Monuments have been established for protection up to now. Despite the presence of very old trees in Nature Monuments, there is no program in order to secure their genetic continuation. Only physical protection around such trees is applied.

1.5.5.6. Wild life reserve area (Yaban hayati Koruma sahasi)

They are areas, which are reserved in order to protect the game and wild animals whose populations are decreasing, in their natural environments with their habitats without influencing the ecosystem characteristics.  There are 123 Wildlife Reserve Areas throughout Turkey.

1.5.5.7. Wild life breeding stations (Yaban hayati uretme istasyonu)

There are also 40 breeding stations for the endangered species İN Turkey.

1.5.5.8. Biogenetic reserve area (Biyogenetik Rezerv Alani)

Biogenetic reserve areas are the areas exhibiting rare or endangered habitats, unique ecosystems, protected by legislative status in national level. There are two main purposes of establishing biogenetic reserves; 1) to keep biological balance under control, to conserve and maintain genetic diversity and representation of different types of habitats and ecosystems. 2) to make biogenetic reserve ecosystems be suitable for biologic studies.

1.5.5.9. Specially protected areas (Ozel cevre koruma alani)

      These are the areas with great natural beauty, historical value and tourism potential. Specially Protected Areas are set aside to protect the environmental and historical values by regulating housing and touristy developments. With the requirements of the Article Nr.9 of the Environmental Law (Code Nr.2872), thirteen Specially Protected Areas with historic and cultural values in different parts of the country have been set up so far. The Authority for Specially Protected Area in the Ministry of Environment is responsible to protect these areas as well as to prevent unregulated housing and other constructions.

2. Emerald Network pilot project in Turkey

2.1. Pre-meeting of the Emerald Network pilot project

To determine the strategies of the Emerald network pilot project in Turkey and to constitute administrative and scientific committees, a pre-meeting was held in the Ministry of Environment with related ministries, institutions, universities and organizations participation on 12 August 1999. In this meeting, it is decided that the biogeographical regions map was accepted and the committees should be constituted after the Emerald network workshop.

2.2. Emerald Network Workshop

To inform the participants about the principles of the Emerald network pilot project, legal and legislative arrangements and the technical issues of the Emerald network software, the Emerald network workshop was held with about 100 hundred audiences participation in the Middle East Technical University on 10 April 2000. Ms Katia Dolgova and Mr. Marc Roekaerts presented details of the network, the pilot project and the software and answered the questions about these issues.

2.3. Building and training of the National Emerald Network team, identification of the species and habitat within each biogeographical Region in Turkey and selection of the potential areas of special conservation interest (ASCIs)

With the appreciation for the high attendance, the first meeting of the Emerald network administrative committee was held under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Environment on 10 May 2000. The Emerald network administrative committee, which are composed of the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Culture, State Planning Organization, the General Directorate of Rural Affairs, Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey as the representative of the universities, decided that the Emerald network Scientific Committee should be make up of the academicians and the representatives of non-governmental organizations who can be good providers of the scientific data on the potential Areas of Special Conservation Interests (ASCIs) in the next meeting and determine which species listed in Resolution No.6 (1998) and which habitats listed in Resolution No.4 (1996) are present in our country and their proposals for the potential Areas of Special Conservation Interests (ASCIs).

In the second meeting of the Emerald Network Administrative Committee, which was held on 21 June 2000, the potential Areas of Special Conservation Interests (ASCIs) were determined among the proposals of the universities and non-governmental organizations, which were collected through negotiations and correspondence with them, in the line of the present species listed in Resolution No.6 (1998) and habitats listed Resolution No.4 (1996), which are determined in the above-mentioned way, and the proposals of the members of the administrative committee as follows and the Emerald Network Scientific Committee made up of the academic persons who is believed to be providing data on the selected areas as in Section 3;

Proposals for the Areas Special Conservation Interests (ASCIs)

–        Akyatan Lagoon (Akyatan Lagunu)

–        Ciglikara Nature Conservation Area-Elmali Cedrus libani Forest (Ciglikara Tabiati Koruma Alani-Elmali Sedir Ormanlari)

–        Gediz Delta (Gediz Deltasi)

–        Goksu Delta (Goksu Deltasi)

–        Ilgaz Daglari National Park (Ilgaz Daglari Milli Parki)

–        Lake Manyas (Manyas Golu)

–        Kizilliman Bolgesi (Kizilliman Bolgesi)

–        Sultan Marshes (Sultan Sazligi)

–        Salt Lake and its surroundings (Tuz Golu ve Cevresi)

–        Lake Uluabat (Uluabat Golu)

It should be emphasized that we must restrict ourselves to limited number of the sites during the designation because of objective reasons, namely; scarcity of databases (like CORINE biotopes), lack of time and dispersal of information and studies.

2.4. Description of the potential areas of special conservation interest (ASCIs) (filling in the standard data forms)

In the third meeting of the administrative committee, which was held on 10 September 2000, it is decided to review the collected data on the selected potential Areas of Special Conservation Interests (ASCIs) together with the Emerald Network Scientific Committee in a meeting last time. This meeting was held in Ankara on the dates of 17-19 December 2000. The Emerald Network Technical Working Group introduced the data on the sites into the Emerald Network Software through the Emerald Network Scientific Committee in this meeting and prepared the standard data forms on the sites.

3. National Emerald Network team

3.1. Emerald Network project team leader

Ø  Ms Serap KULELI, General Director

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 285 49 94 Fax +90 312 286 2271

3.2. National Emerald Networkadministrative Committee

Ø  Ms Suade ARANCLI, Section Chief

Ministry of Forestry (www.milliparklar.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 221 2170

Fax +90 312 222 5140

Ø  Ms Suhendan KARAUZ, Aqua Culture Engineer

Ministry of Forestry (www.milliparklar.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 221 2170

Fax +90 312 222 5140

Ø  Mr Namik KIRAZLAR, Department Head

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (www.tarim.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 425 1900

Fax +90 312 419 2238

Ø  Mr Basri EVCI, Aqua Culture Engineer

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (www.tarim.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 425 1900

Fax +90 312 419 2238

Ø  Ms Sila Suzan ONURSAL, Agricultural Engineer MSc.

Ministry of Culture (www.kultur.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

Ø  Ms Aysel ESENGIL, Landscape Architect

Ministry of Culture (www.kultur.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

Ø  Mr Ismail Hakki BAYSAL, Department Head

State Planning Organisation (www.dpt.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 230 8720

Fax +90 312 231 9368

Ø  Ms Sema BAYAZIT, Planning Expert

State Planning Organisation (www.dpt.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 230 8720

Fax +90 312 231 9368

Ø  Mr H. Ibrahim YILMAZ, Department Head

General Directorate of Rural Affairs

(www.khgm.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 8100

Fax +90 312 287 8098

Ø  Mr Naci SEVINC, Agriculture Engineer MSc.

General Directorate of Rural Affairs

(www.khgm.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 8100

Fax +90 312 287 8098

Ø  Mr Tuna EKIM, PhD.

Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (www.tubitak.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 212 528 2494

Fax +90 212 522 6562

Ø  Mr Erkut KIVANC, Associate Professor

Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (www.tubitak.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 212 6720

Fax +90 312 223 2395

3.3. National Emerald NetworkScientific Committee

Ø  Mr Suleyman BALIK, PhD. (expert on fishes)

Ege University (www.ege.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 232 388 4000 / ext. 2411

Fax +90 312 388 3685

Ø  Mr Ali Cemal GUCU, Associate Professor

(expert on marine biology)

Middle Easy Technical University

(www.metu.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 324 521 3434

Fax +90 324 521 2327

Ø  Mr Barbaros GONENCGIL, Assistant Professor (expert on geography)

Istanbul University (www.istanbul.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 212 528 6022

Fax +90 212 528 3237

Ø  Mr C. Can BILGIN, Associate Professor (expert on birds)

Middle East Technical University

(www.metu.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 210 5017

Fax +90 312 210 1289

Ø  Mr Ender YURDAKULOL, PhD. (expert on plants)

Ankara University (www.ankara.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 212 6720 / ext. 1085

Fax +90 312 223 2395

Ø  Mr. Tuna EKIM, PhD. (expert on plants)

Istanbul University (www.istanbul.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 212 528 2494

Fax +90 212 522 6562

Ø  Mr. M. Tekin BABAC, PhD. (expert on biological databases)

Abant Izzet Baysal University

(www.ibu.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 374 253 4511

Ø  Mr. Zafer AYAS, Assistant Professor (expert on birds)

Hacettepe University (www.hacettepe.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 297 8061

Fax +90 312 299 2028

Ø  Mr. Ali DEMIRSOY, PhD. (expert on invertebrates and amphibians/reptiles)

Hacettepe University (www.hacettepe.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 297 8040

Fax +90 312 297 8040

Ø  Mr. Ali ERDOGAN, Associate Professor (expert on birds)

Akdeniz University (www.akdeniz.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 242 227 8900

Fax +90 242 227 8911

Ø  Mr. Hatice DINC, Engineer (expert on watery areas in Turkey)

Turkish Society for the Protection of Nature

(www.dhkd.org.tr)

Tel. +90 312 310 3303 / ext. 19

Fax +90 312 310 6642

Ø  Mr. Ozcan SECMEN, PhD. (expert on plants and habitats)

Ege University (www.ege.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 232 388 0110 / ext. 2838

Ø  Mr. Erkut KIVANC, PhD. (expert on mammals)

Ankara University (www.ankara.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 212 6720 / ext.1048

Fax  +90 312 223 2395

Ø  Mr. Latif KURT, Assistant Professor (expert on plants)

Ankara University (www.ankara.edu.tr)

Tel. +90 312 212 6720 / ext. 1080

Fax 2232395

3.4. Emerald NetworkTechnical working group

Ø  Mr. Can Hayat OZYURT, Forest Industry Engineer

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2407

Fax +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Mr. Bulent BAYRAKTAR, Landscape Architect (expert on Geographical Information Systems)

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2407

Fax +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Mr. Ersin OZEK, Agriculture Engineer (expert on Geographical Information Systems)

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 4130

Fax +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Ms Ayse BOZDAG, Biologist

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2408

Fax  +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Mr. Irfan EKMEKCI, Biologist

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2009

Fax +90 312 2862271

Ø  Mr. Yusuf CERAN, Environment Expert

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2011

Fax +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Ms Hulya OZBEK, Agriculture Engineer, MSs.

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2011

Fax +90 312 2862271

Ø  Mr. A. Ozan CEKIC, Forest Industry Engineer

Ministry of Forestry (www.orman.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 212 6300 / ext. 3376

Fax +90 312 222 5140

3.5. Emerald Network project administrator

Ø  Mr Mustafa TASAR, Department Head

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 285 1412

Fax +90 312 286 2271

Ø  Mr. Tuncay YAYLALI, Environmental Engineer

Ministry of Environment (www.cevre.gov.tr)

Tel. +90 312 287 9963 / ext. 2407

Fax +90 312 2862271

4. The problems with the Emerald Network Software

– Concerning the table “Ecological Information-Other Important Habitats”: It is not possible to enter more than six habitat types not listed in Resolution No.4 (1996) into the related fields. Therefore, we had to restrict ourselves to only six habitat types eliminating some important habitat types within the designated sites.

– Concerning the table “Ecological Information-Other Important Habitats”: The data, which is entered in the list of “Other Important Habitat Types present on the site”, is not sometimes screened when we returned to the form of Ecological Information-Other Important Habitats. In this situation, the total value of the percentages is screened but it was impossible to enter new data to the list of “Other Important Habitat Types present on the site”.

– Concerning “Ecological Information-Species-Plants”: In the form of Akyatan Lagun, the software always said Bromus psammophilus is not listed in Resolution No.6 (1998) after we entered it in the list therefore it shouldn’t be entered in this input form although this species is listed in Resolution No.6 (1998). We skipped this error message clicking the O.K. button.

– Concerning “Print Report”: When we printed the report on “Complete Site Description or Ecological Information Species” for the form of “Kizilliman Bolgesi”, we couldn’t see Chelonia mydas, which was entered in the list in the input form of Ecological Information-Species. So, we couldn’t understand the reason of this difference between the input form and the printed report. This situation was repeated for some other sites.

– Concerning “Responsibility”: We couldn’t enter the free text of more than 3 lines in the input form of Site Management-Responsibility”. Because we must write the names, the addresses, the telephone and fax number and e-mails of the responsible bodies for the management of the sites, this information is attached to the report on paper.  

– Concerning “Site Location”: When we pushed the button of Show Map, the error message called “SetSymbolNr Layer: c:\Emerald\layers\stec\stec1 ERROR: Unable to write to .ID file.” is always displayed. When we skipped the message pushing the O.K. button several times, everything got well.

– Concerning “Site Location”: There are the names of only six provinces, in the Thrace, in the input form of Administrative Region. But, there are 81 provinces in Turkey at this time and we would like you to show us the way to update this data.

– Concerning “Maps/Aerial Photographs/Slides of site”: Although it is written that the projection field is a choice list which contains a certain number national projection systems in the form of Maps/Aerial Photographs/Slides of site in the document T-PVS/Emerald (99) 2, there is no choice list in Turkish forms. Therefore, we couldn’t fill in this form and would like to know how we will solve this problem.

5. Responsible bodies for the management of the designated sites

TR0000001 Sultan Sazligi

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR0000002 Akyatan Lagunu

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR0000003 Ciglikara Tabiatı Koruma Alani (Elmali Sedir Ormanlari)

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

TR0000004 Gediz Deltasi

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Potection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR00000005 Goksu Deltasi

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Environment

Authority for Specially Protected Areas

Tel. +90 312 440 8551

Fax +90 312 440 8553

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR0000006 Ilgaz Daglari Milli Parki

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

TR0000007 Manyas Golu

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR0000008 Kizilliman Bolgesi

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

General Directorate of Protection and Control

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.tarim.gov.tr

TR0000009 Tuz Golu ve Cevresi

Ø  Ministry of Environment

Authority for Specially Protected Areas

Tel. +90 312 440 8551

Fax +90 312 440 8553

www.cevre.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Forestry

General Directorate of National Parks

and Hunting-Wild Life

Tel. +90 312 417 4176

Fax +90 312 419 8319

www.orman.gov.tr ; www.milliparklar.gov.tr

Ø  Ministry of Culture

General Directorate of Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Tel. +90 312 309 0260

Fax +90 312 310 4281

www.kultur.gov.tr

TR0000010 Uluabat Golu

Ø  Ministry of Environment

General Directorate of Environmental Protection

Tel. +90 312 287 9963

Fax +90 312 286 2271

www.cevre.gov.tr