Evaluation of an integrated wetland management plan:: Case of Uluabat (Apollonia) Lake, Turkey

Wetlands have global, regional, and local values in terms of hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecological criteria. Especially in developing countries such as Turkey, a continued unsustainable development process, which degrades nature, has also been threatening wetlands. The main problem is the relationship between the stakeholders and local economic interests, which is often conflicting. International agreements such as the Ramsar Convention are key actions for solving these problems in terms of wise-use principles. In this study, Uluabat Integrated Wetland Management Plan, which was prepared under Ramsar principles, has been evaluated as a case study. Uluabat is one of the most important wetlands, not only because of its regional and local usage, but also its global merits such as serving as a wintering and feeding area for some endangered species. The investigated plan is important for Turkey as a pioneer study. It can be seen as a framework rather than a comprehensive plan. It needs not only some revision in its content but also some additional activities, such as monitoring and evaluation. Integrating it with a regional rural development project is needed in order to achieve proposed objectives.