Wetlands, including ponds, rivers, estuaries, floodplains, wet meadows, lakes, and seagrasses, are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. Globally, these areas have been declining since 1970. In the Mediterranean, 48% of wetlands have been lost, and 36% of the species that inhabit them face extinction threats, with 41% of those being endemic. Although these areas cover only about 2.5% of the Mediterranean Basin, they are home to more than a third of all species. Wetlands play a significant role in combating climate change by storing 40% of the world's carbon.
The Kadın and Akçapınar Streams in Gökova Bay represent vital wetland ecosystems, offering unique breeding and nursery habitats for many species. These areas, located along migratory bird routes, are ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. Understanding the value of these habitats is crucial for planning, managing, and restoring Mediterranean inland and coastal regions. These wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, providing diverse ecosystem services.
Ecosystem Services
Wetlands in the Mediterranean support millions of people by ensuring water and food security. They purify water from pollutants, provide drinking water for humans and animals, and support agriculture, industry, and energy production. They regulate water flow, store water during floods, and release it during droughts. Wetlands supply food for human consumption and support the livelihoods of local communities.
These ecosystems are crucial in mitigating climate change in the Mediterranean, a region warming 20% faster than the global average. When managed well, wetlands are among the world's most effective carbon sinks, as highlighted in a meta-analysis by the European Topic Centre on Spatial Analysis and Synthesis (ETC-UMA). Coastal wetlands, especially seagrasses and salt marshes, have long-term carbon storage rates 55 times higher than tropical rainforests. However, degraded wetlands can release significant amounts of CO2 back into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
Wetlands also play a critical role in mitigating climate change impacts such as flooding, coastal storm surges, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion. Recognized by the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) of the Barcelona Convention, coastal wetlands are essential in land-sea interactions. Despite occupying only 2-3% of the Mediterranean Basin, these habitats provide shelter for 30% of vertebrate populations, including migratory birds and fish species that depend on Mediterranean wetlands for survival.
In addition to their ecological benefits, wetlands attract tourists and support local economies through activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The Mediterranean Basin, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, is enriched by these exceptional landscapes.
Current State of Wetlands
Between 1970 and 2013, 51% of global wetlands were lost, with the Mediterranean experiencing higher losses than Africa, Asia, and Europe. Thirty-six percent of wetland-dependent species face global extinction risks, with the Mediterranean region being particularly vulnerable. Population growth, consumption patterns, climate change, and poor management are key drivers of this loss. Urbanization in these areas increased by 300%, and agricultural conversions rose by 42% between 1975 and 2005. Despite the Ramsar Convention, wetland losses continue, threatening biodiversity.
The Mediterranean's ecological footprint is double the global average, placing immense pressure on water resources. Climate change is expected to further reduce ecosystem resilience, with increasing land and water demands intensifying pressures on these habitats. Decision-makers can positively influence the future by ensuring the sustainable use of these areas.
Why Are Wetlands Disappearing in Türkiye?
Wetlands in Türkiye are rapidly disappearing despite their significant ecological importance. Globally, there are approximately 2,400 designated wetland areas, while Türkiye has only 106. Since 1970, many of these areas have vanished. In the Mediterranean region, 48% of such areas have been entirely lost. Despite covering only 2-2.5% of the total area, they host one-third of all species. In the Mediterranean, 36% of species in these ecosystems face extinction, and 41% of those are endemic. Key reasons for wetland loss in Türkiye include agriculture, pollution, development activities, and hydrological changes:
Agriculture: The largest factor in the loss of Mediterranean wetland ecosystems. Large areas have been drained and converted for agricultural use.
Development: Expanding industry, urbanization, and coastal tourist complexes have destroyed much of the Mediterranean's natural heritage. Wetlands, particularly in coastal regions, are at the forefront of land-use changes.
Hydrological Changes: Few wetland ecosystems maintain natural hydrological cycles today. Dams, levees, and redirected flows for irrigation and other purposes disrupt ecological processes and nature's self-regulation capacity.
Sedimentation/Erosion: Wetland vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining waterway cleanliness. When removed for grazing or development, erosion occurs, followed by sedimentation.
Pollution: Agriculture, industry, and urban centers pollute wetlands, harming biodiversity and reducing natural processes' resilience.
Invasive Species: These disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species. As waterways serve as networks for new species, the problem becomes more complex.
Climate Change: Wetlands can help defend against climate change when preserved but are themselves at risk. Rising droughts and storms damage these areas, while sea-level rise threatens to submerge many Mediterranean coastal wetlands.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, include four that are closely linked to Mediterranean wetlands
SDG 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all and sustainable water management.
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
SDG 15: Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems; sustainably manage forests; combat desertification; halt and reverse land degradation; and halt biodiversity loss.
What is the Mediterranean Conservation Society Doing to Protect Wetlands?
In 2023, the Mediterranean Conservation Society began implementing the "Green Light for Mediterranean Wetlands" protocol in Gökova, Türkiye. Collaborating with Tour du Valat, the program aims to identify wetland ecosystems and buffer zones in Gökova, create a wildlife inventory, update existing literature, identify threats, and work with local stakeholders to take necessary measures. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of these areas.
The society plans to develop a strategy emphasizing the conservation-use balance, shaped by a shared vision with local stakeholders. To create a roadmap for these areas, a meeting was held with public institutions and civil society organizations in the region. Additionally, a field visit to the Gediz Delta in Izmir facilitated knowledge-sharing and strategic development.
Collaborating with Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, the society has begun water quality monitoring at ten stations in Kadın and Akçapınar Streams. Fish visual surveys were conducted at four sites within the Akyaka Marine Protected Area. Seasonal water level measurements and vegetation distribution research are ongoing. In 2024, the society initiated monitoring of odonate species, key indicators of wetland ecosystems, and completed spring and autumn migratory bird surveys, as well as the Midwinter Waterfowl Census.
Educational programs were held with students at Cahit Belkıs Güneyman Middle School in Akyaka, including a field trip to Gökçe Wetland. Additionally, a cleanup event with Ula Municipality removed approximately 9 tons of debris from this critical habitat.
To further conservation efforts, the Mediterranean Conservation Society signed a collaboration protocol with the Muğla Provincial Directorate of National Education. Under this agreement, marine and wetland ecosystem education, biodiversity awareness, and endangered species training will be provided through interdisciplinary, student-centered, and play-based methods.