Page 278 - 7. State Of Environment Report Of Türkiye

Within the scope of the project, 15 European Nature Information System (EUNIS) habitat types
were identified in Kaş-Kekova SEPA and 11 sensitive habitats, 1 of which is a recommended area,
were identified in the light of the information obtained as a result of literature reviews and field
studies. In addition, according to the evaluations made within the scope of the Habitat Directive,
it was determined that 15 of the habitats identified in Kaş-Kekova SEPA are among the habitats
listed in Annex I of the Habitat Directive and should be protected/sustainable. As a result of the
assessments made within the scope of the Birds Directive, it was determined that 59 bird spe-
cies are included in the additional lists of the Birds Directive.
İç Island, Toprak Island, Aşırlı Island and Kişneli Island are other important islands. The Sıcak Pe-
ninsula and Kekova Island, which lie parallel to the coast, form Ölüdeniz, which is an inland sea.
In addition to natural beauties, the richness of ancient and historical artefacts makes the region
attractive for archaeological tourism.

F.3.1.8. Göksu Delta Special Environmental Protection Area

Göksu Delta is also a Ramsar site and an important wetland for many migratory birds. Göksu
Delta is one of the most important main nesting areas in the Mediterranean where sea turtles
“Caretta Caretta” and “Chelonia Mydas” lay their eggs. It is also one of the nesting areas of the
soft-shelled Nile Softshell Turtle (Trionyx Triunguis). There are 507 plant taxa in Göksu Delta Spe-
cial Environmental Protection Area and 10 of them are endemic taxa.

It is observed that the Göksu Delta is mostly dominated by saline plants and dune vegetation.
Especially the species belonging to the genera Salicornia and Euphorbia are concentrated in the
west of the Delta, around Akgöl and Paradeniz. The presence of aquatic plants in the lakes in the
Göksu Delta depends on the water regime and salinity of the lagoons.
Numerous bird species use the Göksu Delta as a wintering and incubation area, contributing to
the formation of an interesting and vibrant landscape in almost every season of the year.

F.3.1.9. Pamukkale Special Environmental Protection Area

Thermal water springs, which are important natural resources in the region and form Pamukkale
Travertines, have affected a wide region and in this context, there are 17 hot water springs with
temperatures ranging between 35-100°C.

There are two main soil groups in the region, brown forest soil and colluvial soil, and natural
vegetation is mostly found on stream banks, border lines between agricultural areas, groves,
pastures and hills that are not suitable for agriculture. On the plateau plain of Hierapolis, there
are visible natural mass greenery Nerium Oleander (Oleander) and Ficus Inur and Vitex Agnus
Castus groups. Some species of herbaceous plants are distinguished by seasonal and temporary
leaf-flower colour effects.

In 2023, “Pamukkale Travertines Research Project” was carried out in order to investigate the
causes of mass movements such as tipping and falling that occur in travertine deposits in Pa-
mukkale travertines, to carry out researches to prevent and reduce the impacts beforehand, to
investigate the causes of the colour changes observed on the travertine surface and to determi-
ne solution proposals.

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