Page 40 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

Evaluation of Desertification and Erosion Combat Efforts With Regards to
Paris Agreement Commitments and Net Zero Emission 2053 Targets

Strategic Approaches in Türkiye’s Combat against Erosion:

Dynamic Erosion Model and Monitoring System (DEMİS): It has been
developed for the purpose of dynamic monitoring of erosion in Türkiye and
taking the necessary measures accordingly. DEMİS is used as a basic tool in
shaping the required policies to combat erosion by determining the potential
and actual soil losses in watersheds. As a result of the analyses conducted with
DEMİS, it was found that 5.97% of Türkiye has severe erosion while 6.7% faces
very severe erosion (ÇEM, 2024).
1. National Dynamic Wind Erosion Model and Monitoring System
(UDREMİS): This system, established against the wind erosion threats
that are likely to increase with climate change, is used to monitor wind
erosion and develop effective methods of combating it. UDREMIS
allows mapping and scientifically analyzing the areas affected by wind
erosion on a national scale.
2. Forest and Pasture Land Improvement: In erosion control studies,
rehabilitation of degraded forest areas, pasture land reclamation
and improvement of vegetation are among the main goals. These
studies are carried out in water catchment basins and sloped land that
is exposed to erosion. Moreover, engineering solutions, such as the
construction of facilities to regulate water flow, also play an important
role in combating erosion.
3. Reducing the Amount of Soil Transported by Erosion: Türkiye commits
to reducing the amount of soil transported by erosion by 130 million
tons /year by 2023. In order to achieve this goal, monitoring and control
systems will be further strengthened using additional measures to be
taken in agriculture, forestry and pasture land as well as the erosion
prediction model developed by the General Directorate of Combating
Desertification and Erosion (ÇEMGM).
4. Green Infrastructure: Green infrastructure systems in the combat
against erosion can play a crucial role in minimising soil loss by
strengthening vegetation and ensuring proper management of water.
Green infrastructure applications in rural and urban areas should be
integrated to mitigate the effects of erosion.
5. Increasing Social Awareness and Participation: The active participation
of the society in the combat against erosion will boost the success of
the measures to be taken. In this regard, raising awareness of local
communities through education, directing them to sustainable agriculture
and land use practices is a critical element in controlling erosion.

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Special Issue / 2024