PRESIDENTIAL DECREE ESTABLISHES NATIONAL WATER COUNCIL FOR HIGH-LEVEL COORDINATION AND COOPERATION IN THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND EFFICIENT USE OF WATER RESOURCES
The establishment of the National Water Council was officially enacted following its publication in the Official Gazette. Chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, the council includes the Deputy Ministers from various ministries, such as Agriculture and Forestry, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Foreign Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, Treasury and Finance, Interior, Culture and Tourism, National Education, Health, Industry and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the President of the Presidential Strategy and Budget Office, and leaders from institutions like TÜBİTAK, TurkStat, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, and the Union of Municipalities of Turkey.
The National Water Council will focus on improving the effectiveness of the Water Management Coordination Committee, Basin Councils, and Provincial Water Councils in line with the 12th Development Plan. It aims to develop short- and long-term plans, policies, and strategies for water supply that integrate the water-food-energy-ecosystem nexus across urban and rural areas. Additionally, it will work to ensure coordinated and comprehensive water management practices that secure sustainability.
The council will also address the balance between conservation and usage of water resources, aiming to establish sustainable water policies. It will work on maintaining a supply-demand equilibrium in water allocations, ensuring better protection and development of water resources, and enhancing oversight of related projects and investments.
In its role to solve issues encountered in implementing plans that safeguard water quality and quantity, the council will take measures to promote the efficient use of public resources.
MINISTER YUMAKLI: “IT’S ESSENTIAL TO MANAGE RISKS BEFORE THEY TURN INTO A CRISIS”
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı highlighted that with an anticipated 10% increase in Turkey’s population and a 20% decrease in water resources by 2030, Turkey faces water stress with an annual per capita water availability of 1,313 cubic meters. Yumaklı warned that if no action is taken, this figure could fall below 1,000 cubic meters by 2030, potentially classifying Turkey as a water-scarce country. He emphasized, “It must be understood nationwide that if we do not respect our water, we will eventually lose it.”
Drawing attention to the risks facing Turkey’s water resources, Yumaklı underlined the need for sustainable, efficient resource management. This includes conserving water quantity and quality through rational, collaborative, efficient, and equitable management practices alongside stakeholders, underpinned by the necessary institutional, administrative, and financial frameworks.
Yumaklı added:
“These significant steps reflect our commitment to a sustainable approach to Türkiye’s water resources and to leaving healthy water sources for future generations. The establishment of the National Water Council reinforces Turkey’s strong stance on water management and marks a critical step in protecting our water resources. With the National Water Efficiency Campaign, launched under the auspices of First Lady Ms. Emine Erdoğan, we will accelerate collaboration with all stakeholders. We are prepared to work collectively to meet the goals of this Campaign.”
In this Campaign, Minister Yumaklı called on citizens to “be a drop” in preserving water, inviting all stakeholders to contribute to the campaign and join hands in protecting Türkiye’s water resources for future generations.
