Burdur Gölü is a large lake of tectonic origin situated in a closed basin and fed by several streams, most prominent of which is the Bozçay. To the northeast and southwest lie extensive alluvial flats, a small delta formed by the Bozçay river with some remnants of drained reedbeds and marshes.
The lake’s health and importance to migratory waterfowl is threatened by a combination of urban/industrial expansion and associated impacts on habitat and water quality. An increase in irrigation of agricultural land using waters from the lake’s catchment has taken its toll on the balance and healthy functioning of the ecosystem. These activities around Lake Burdur are partially being enabled by a low level of environmental awareness among the local population who view such concerns as barriers to economic development and progress.
The project will aim at building awareness of the biodiversity value of Burdur Lake among local user groups. The long-term objective is to conserve the site and promote the sustainable development of Burdur Lake through the preparation of a Ramsar Management Plan. The Turkish NGO Doğa Derneği will be executing the demonstration project in Lake Burdur, in close collaboration with local authorities and local partner NGOs.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
Goal: To raise awareness of the key local stakeholders about the ecological importance and natural assets of Lake Burdur and to achieve conditions for sustainable management of the site in the long-term.
Outcome 1. Raising awareness on environmental issues among school-aged children in Burdur.
The project will develop and implement an environmental education programme through developing resources and activities, which will be delivered to primary schools around Lake Burdur. Educational objectives will be strengthened by developing a proposal for the establishment of a nature study centre for local schools around Lake Burdur.
Outcome 2. Developing institutional capacity and infrastructure for a long-term monitoring programme, involving the local population and stakeholders
The project will support the establishment of a local network of volunteers and experts for the continued monitoring of migratory waterbirds and their habitats around Lake Burdur.
Outcome 3. Raising awareness among all key stakeholder groups of Lake Burdur's ecological importance in addition to the need for integrating environmental conservation and economical development.
A set of targeted capacity building and awareness raising activities to promote the sustainable use of Lake Burdur will be implemented to achieve this outcome. Further efforts will include lobbying local users and relevant government agencies on the need for a timely development and implementation of an integrated Burdur Lake management plan.
Outcome 4. Enabling the process for the development of a time-table for a Ramsar management plan for Burdur which takes into account both socio-economic and ecological conditions.
The project will carry out a socio-economic study to determine the relationship of Burdur inhabitants with the lake, its resources, and the landscape. Additionally a review of existing short-medium and long term development plans of the area will be carried out in order to make recommendations for their integration into a comprehensive management plan.
PROJECT PROGRESS (Latest update) 
ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION:
LOCAL IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES
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Doğa Derneği is a leading NGO in conservation and embraces several key people who are most experienced in the field of nature conservation in Turkey. |
Fore more information please see:
Turkish: www.dogadernegi.org
English: www.dogadernegi.org/english/
DEMO PROJECT TEAM
LALE AKTAY
Since I was a child I was always very interested in wildlife and thus my decision to study biology was easy. Now, I am a conservation biologist and an enthusiastic birdwatcher. I have been volunteering and working on conservation initiatives in key biodiversity areas for many years. Currently I work as the Wings Over Wetlands Demonstration Project Officer at Doga Dernegi in Turkey.
Fore more information please contact:
Lale Aktay, Email: [lale.aktay@dogadernegi.org] | Tel: +90 (312) 448 0 537 | Fax: +90 (312) 448 0 258
OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS