Istanbul's Water Security: Istanbul Forests

The impacts of climate change and increasing population threaten water resources more and more each day. Istanbul is one of the cities where this global problem is felt at the local level. However, Istanbul forests hold significant potential against this threat. The vital role of forests on water resources is once again emphasized by the “Ecosystem Services for Social Cohesion in the Istanbul Regional Directorate of Forestry Project” carried out under the European Union's Climate Change Adaptation Grant Programme. Forest ecosystems act as a natural water regulator, enabling precipitation to be retained in the soil and feeding groundwater resources. Thanks to these functions, Istanbul forests contribute to maintaining the water levels of dams and ponds in the city. Especially the forests located in the Belgrad Forest and Çatalca regions form a critical protective shield against the water crisis with both their sustainable management of water resources and microclimate creation features.

Within the scope of the project, vulnerable points for protecting the water retention capacity of Istanbul forests and preserving this capacity have been identified. Concrete proposals are also being developed within the project for managing and improving these areas in cooperation with the General Directorate of Forestry, municipalities, and other institutions. At the same time, nature-based solutions aimed at protecting water resources are also being designed and aimed for dissemination. The ecosystem services provided by Istanbul forests are vitally important not only against the water crisis but also in mitigating the effects of climate change. When managed correctly, forests will continue to be one of the biggest supporters in preventing a water-scarce future. However, realizing this potential is possible only through the protection and sustainable management of forests. Istanbul forests undertake a great responsibility to protect the life source not only of the city but also of future generations. Turning this responsibility into success is in all our hands.