Our Country is Under Water Stress, and Water Scarcity is at Our Doorstep!
Located in the Mediterranean basin, a region with unique and strategic importance, our country is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Climate change threatens not only biodiversity, development, and the economy, but also our water resources alongside production. Studies indicate that by 2030, our population will increase by 10%, while our water resources could decrease by up to 20% due to climate change effects. Currently experiencing “water stress,” our country is expected to face “water scarcity” by 2030 if no action is taken, as rising demand and climate change continue to impact water availability. This situation makes it essential to ensure effective management and efficient use of water resources with high-level coordination and cooperation.
Studies by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry show that the impacts of climate change on our water resources, both in terms of quantity and quality, are deeply concerning. Pressures on our water resources now pose direct threats to agricultural production, urban and industrial development, and food security, along with overall human well-being.
The ongoing climate crisis necessitates organized, rapid action to create lasting solutions grounded in common understanding. Ensuring the sustainable use of water resources and strengthening water management policies are crucial in combating climate change.
A major transformation was launched to promote the sustainable, efficient, and responsible use of our water resources nationwide with the “Water Efficiency Campaign,” initiated under the patronage of Ms. Emine Erdoğan on January 31, 2023, and coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Water Efficiency Subcommittee Evaluated Climate Change Adaptation Efforts
During the first meeting of the National Water Board, which was established to ensure high-level coordination in our country, one of the decisions was to form the Water Efficiency Subcommittee.
The first meeting of the Water Efficiency Subcommittee, which comprises 24 public institutions, 16 non-governmental organizations, and 23 university representatives, took place on June 12, 2024. In her opening speech, the Director General of Water Management, Ms. Afire Sever, emphasized the global climate crisis and the need to increase adaptation capacity. She discussed the role of activities under the Water Efficiency Mobilization in adaptation strategies, highlighting that, with the upcoming Draft Water Efficiency Regulation, water efficiency systems and plans to be implemented by water users will promote best practices nationwide.
Additionally, it was stated that the enactment of the ongoing Water Law would enable stronger steps to protect, develop, and use our water resources efficiently, reinforcing the foundation of the social culture we aim to build around water stewardship.
The committee members agreed to form working groups focusing on Urban Water Efficiency, Agricultural Water Efficiency, Industrial Water Efficiency, and Water-Efficient Equipment and Building Materials. During its first meeting, the committee made critical decisions regarding the protection, development, and efficient use of water resources, such as the enforcement of the Water Law; tracking, measurement, and control mechanisms for water usage, treatment, and discharge; loss reduction; raising public awareness; water pricing and market establishment; implementing control, sanction, incentive, and support mechanisms; establishing smart water management systems; reducing and certifying water footprints, among others.
The committee’s work, grounded in a participatory, multi-stakeholder consensus, will be presented with concrete, actionable targets at the second meeting of the National Water Board.