Over 98% of the lake Marmara wetland has dried up in the last 10 years. 25 NGOs and research institutions from the Mediterranean Alliance for Wetlands members and from BirdLife International partners came together to warn the Turkish government and relevant international authorities on the potential loss of this biodiversity haven of capital importance to the world.
In 2017, the Turkish Government ratified Lake Marmara as a wetland of national importance. It is globally recognized as one of the 305 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and 184 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Turkey. Additionally, the lake also meets the criteria to become a wetland of international importance, also known as Ramsar Site.
Today, there is no water in this lake. Most of the wetland has been converted to agricultural land. Iconic species such as the Near Threatened Dalmatian Pelican (Pelicanus crispus) and other 5 endemic freshwater fish species among many others used to feed, reproduce and winter in this wetland. They have no home there anymore.
Wetlands like Lake Marmara are areas that can help mitigate the effects of climate change, but they need to be healthy and functional. This dry-up doesn’t only threaten the habitat and biodiversity, it also affects people. The nearby inhabitants won’t be able to fish there anymore, increasing the risk of migration and destruction of cultural values.
The signatory organizations suggest the re-evaluation of the restoration of the Lake Marmara and the implementation of appropriate conservation precautions including the following:
● Enough water resources to guarantee ecological and habitat functions. Our coalition is willing to provide expert support in the projects to be developed for water supply to the lake.
● The lake is not transformed into agricultural land.
● Only agricultural practices that require low water inputs be allowed in the areas surrounding the lake.
● Appropriate conservation measures are implemented, including applying for the Ramsar labeling, in order to provide international recognition and protection to this valuable area for the Aegean and Mediterranean populations.